About the RoleYou'll design and build mechanical hardware for laser communications terminals, from optical ground stations to space-based systems. Your impact is immediate. We go from a sketch to a bench prototype in weeks, then build, test, and ship flight hardware on a timeline measured in months. You'll own your assemblies and work alongside optics, electrical, controls, and manufacturing engineers to build, align, and test them.
Responsibilities- Design terminal hardware such as optical benches, telescope structures, mounts, enclosures, and electronics packaging.
- Work with optics and systems engineers to set mechanical interfaces, alignment tolerances, and stiffness and thermal stability requirements. Use hand calculations and finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate designs.
- Create production drawings, bills of materials, and interface documentation.
- Work with shops and suppliers to make parts easy to build, assemble, and align.
- Build, align, and troubleshoot prototypes with technicians through rapid design iterations. Design fixtures and write procedures for repeatable assembly and testing.
- Plan and support environmental tests for the intended deployment, such as vibration, shock, or thermal vacuum. Use test results to improve the hardware and prepare it for production.
Basic Qualifications- 3+ years designing mechanical hardware in aerospace, optics, robotics, precision equipment, or a related industry.
- BS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- Proficiency with 3D CAD such as SolidWorks and experience applying geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack-up analysis to production drawings and mechanical interfaces.
- Working knowledge of structural and thermal analysis and design for manufacturing and assembly.
- Hands-on experience building, testing, and troubleshooting mechanical assemblies.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience with free-space optical terminals, pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) systems, or fine-pointing hardware such as fast steering mirrors.
- Experience with precision optical mounts, alignment tooling, or structural, thermal, and optical performance (STOP) analysis.
- Experience qualifying hardware for spaceflight or rugged outdoor environments.
- Experience taking precision hardware from prototype builds into repeatable
What We OfferCompetitive Compensation - A salary package aligned with industry standards and your experience.
Equity Opportunities - Take part in our success with stock options.
Flexible Work Environment - Enjoy working from our office or in a hybrid work setup with the flexibility to work remotely part of the week. We require a minimum of 3 days per week in our office to support collaboration and team culture. (LA Office only)
Unlimited PTO (Salaried positions only) - Take the time you need with our flexible, trust-based vacation policy, including paid holidays. We encourage everyone to rest, recharge, and take care of themselves.
Health & Wellness - Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with 100% of the premium paid by the employer for employees.
Cutting-Edge Tools - Get access to the latest hardware and software you need to do your best work.
Mission-Driven Culture - Be part of a team working on meaningful challenges with real-world impact.
Inclusive Team - We foster a supportive and diverse workplace where all voices are valued.
