Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Applied Optimization (AO) Job Description

Job Title: Opto-Mechanical Engineer Reports to: Principal Scientist
FLSA Status: Full-Time (Exempt) Department: Space Science

Position Objective:

To be a key member of an interdisciplinary research and development team that designs and implements custom and commercial optical systems. This includes items such as generating simulation models and data, assembling and testing hardware, analyzing experimental data, and implementing next generation scientific algorithms in the areas of optics, mechanical engineering, material science and space science.

Essential Functions:

• Responsible for the design and development of custom optical systems and their associated hardware and software
• Support and perform evaluation and characterization of optical elements, components, and fixtures. Perform modeling, prototyping, evaluating, and characterizing optical elements and mounts
• Execute or implement new optical designs with a focus on manufacturability
• Perform analysis of optics, mounting strategies, detailed geometric or performance tolerances, manufacturability, and cost
• Support current platforms with optical analysis, enhancements, and improvements where needed
• Create part drawings, assembly drawings, and models in SolidWorks
• Work with other engineers from multiple research backgrounds to integrate new elements or subsystems into designs
• Perform stress and thermal analysis and experiments to quantify and minimize sources of error or mitigate risk
• Address and resolve customer problems and complaints in regards to hardware or software
• Develop new functionality and applications for in-house software capabilities
• Maintain positive customer relations, to include project status updates
• Produce technical reports and presentations to convey work and results to customers
• Write technical reports and proposals as required by the project
• Ensure accuracy and follow documentation procedures for all work; maintain notebook of daily activities and provide weekly report of work
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelors degree or higher related to the field of optical or mechanical engineering (or similar field) with a superior academic record
• Experience and interest in opto-mechanical system design
• Attention to detail and effective time and schedule management skills
• Effective organizing, planning, debugging, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to adapt within a small team to support evolving customer requirements
• Ability to execute instructions and communication in written, oral, and diagram form
• Demonstrated strong writing, fact-gathering, and analytical skills
• Basic computer and software skills including but not necessarily limited to Microsoft Office products (e.g., Outlook, Word, and Power Point)

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge or experience in Python or C++ object modeling, MATLAB programming, software development, bash scripting, and/or other coding languages
• Experience in CAD modeling with programs such as SolidWorks or Blender
• Experience in optical design using ray tracing software such as Zemax or other commercial or open-source FDTD and FEM packages
• College cumulative GPA (Grade Point Average) of 3.5 or higher
• A minor degree or dual degree in Mathematics or Physics
• Experience or interest in astronomy or telescope and image systems

Citizenship/Security Clearance Requirements:

• U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder
• May be required to obtain and maintain US Government Security Clearance

Office Requirements

• In-office attendance is required; remote work is not offered at this time

About Us: Applied Optimization is a growing organization located in Fairborn, OH. Find out more about us at

This job description is subject to change.