Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Directed-Energy Research Center

Directed-energy systems, such as microwave, laser, and acoustics represent a powerful emerging technology with new industrial and medical applications.

Our Directed-Energy Research Center’s priorities include:

• Cutting-edge high-power electromagnetic solutions
• Innovative high-energy laser systems
• Advanced acoustic technologies
• Pulsed power technologies
• Particle beams and plasma physics
• Antennas and metamaterials
• Radar and remote-sensing technologies

Job Description

The Directed Energy Research Center of the Technology and Innovation Institute is looking for a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer who will part of the laser systems engineering division contributing to the, development, and integration, across multiple projects within the High Power Lasers and Applications department.

The job includes traveling overseas, on occasion for short periods, to participate in conferences, visits of suppliers or partners, training, etc.

Responsibilities:

Main responsibilities include:

• Design and develop mechanical/ opto-mechanical systems and components.
• Design tools and fixtures supporting assembly, alignment and test of complex and precision optical systems.
• Perform numerical simulations with FEA tools to validate designs of mechanical, optical, and opto-mechanical systems, focusing on heat transfer, stress, strain, and vibration analyses.
• Conduct tolerance analysis of mechanical, optical, and opto-mechanical structures.
• Optimize designs according to Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) standards to prepare for manufacturing, integration, and alignment stages.
• Integrate mechanical components and execute systems/sub-systems functional/ validation tests.
• Create detailed documentation that includes design specifications, engineering drawings, and system schematics.
• Document the outcomes of testing phases, such as prototype, functional, and compliance tests.
• Contribute to research papers, case studies, and industry publications, especially when involved in cutting-edge technologies or innovative mechanical engineering solutions.
• Write comprehensive reports on analyses conducted, such as stress tests, thermal analysis, and fluid dynamics studies.
• Work collaboratively with project and department team members.
• Support the optical and system engineering teams with opto-mechanical system design
• Participate in multidisciplinary discussions within the activity domain of DERC.
• Coach and mentor junior engineers in the design and development of opto-mechanical systems.

Requirements

• Proficiency in 3D Modeling design, simulation and Manufacturing.
• Experience with 3D Modeling tools such as CATIA, Creo, NX CAD, SolidWorks, Fusion360, etc.
• Experience with FEA/CFD simulation tools such as ANSYS, or COMSOL Multiphysics. Ability to conduct heat transfer, stress, strain, vibration, and shock analyses as per industry standards.
• Expertise in GD&T analysis for system assemblies.
• Strong grasp of thermodynamics principles, along with the capability to perform heat transfer analysis—including conduction, convection, and radiation—to design heat sinks, radiators, and thermal insulation systems.
• Substantial experience with the integration and interfacing of optical and mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with the opto-mechanical aspects of laser systems
• Familiarity with optical design principles, ray tracing, and optical design tools
• Ability to analyze problems, think critically, and develop effective design optimization.
• Being adaptable and committed to continuous learning to stay updated on industry trends and advancements.
• Ability to think outside the box and propose novel ideas contributes to the development of cutting-edge products.
• Ability to work as part of a multicultural research team with effective oral and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated and self-directed

Qualifications

To qualify for this position, you will need to meet the following requirements:

• Bachelor’s /master's degree in mechanical engineering, or related fields.
• At least 5 years of working experience in an R&D department or industry or similar environment, with a focus on opto-mechanics
• Good level of English (speaking and writing).