Optical / Optomechanical Engineer

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, California (Hybrid)

About the Role

We are seeking a talented Optical / Optomechanical Engineer to help develop next-generation optical communication systems for terrestrial and space-based applications. This is an exciting opportunity to work on advanced laser communication technology that enables high-speed data transmission between satellites, spacecraft, and ground stations.

The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, integration, and testing of precision optical hardware, helping build compact, reliable, and high-performance optical terminals for demanding aerospace and space environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and integrate precision optical and optomechanical assemblies for laser communication systems.

• Develop optical mounts, alignment mechanisms, precision structures, and optical support assemblies.

• Support optical design, alignment, integration, testing, and performance validation.

• Ensure optical systems maintain precise alignment and stability under vibration, thermal variation, and other environmental conditions.

• Conduct hardware testing, troubleshooting, and environmental qualification activities.

• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, optical, and software engineering teams to deliver integrated hardware solutions.

• Support prototype development, hardware qualification, and the transition to production-ready systems.

• Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners to support hardware development and deployment.

Requirements

• A degree in Optical Engineering, Optomechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.

• Experience designing, developing, or testing precision optical systems and hardware.

• Understanding of optical alignment, optical assemblies, and optomechanical integration.

• Experience with precision mechanical structures, optical mounts, or positioning mechanisms is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with laser systems, free-space optical communications, optical instrumentation, aerospace, or space-qualified hardware is an advantage.

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and hands-on engineering skills.

• Ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary engineering teams.

Darwin Recruitment is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

Luca Collett