Overview In this role you design, develop and validate opto-mechanical systems that integrate optics and sensors, ensuring precise alignment, thermal control, and robust performance. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet stringent requirements across aerospace, defense, and consumer applications. You may support commercialization leveraging VIAVI's vacuum deposition capabilities. The role includes travel and close interaction with customers and suppliers, offering impact on advanced optical products.
Responsibilities- Design and development of opto-mechanical systems from concept to prototyping and testing
- Produce detailed mechanical drawings with GD&T per ISO/MIL standards
- Lead or participate in requirements definition and design reviews
- Analyze loads, thermal, and vibration effects on optical-mechanical performance
- Use FEA tools (e.g., SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS) for structural/thermal/vibration modeling
- Perform tolerance stack-up analyses and Monte Carlo simulations for manufacturability
- Apply optical modeling tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V) to optimize optical performance
- Coordinate with manufacturing to break assemblies into subassemblies and ensure producibility
- Engage with customers and suppliers, presenting technical information during reviews
- Travel 10% for customer meetings
- Location-based reporting to Santa Rosa, CA or Chandler, AZ
Key requirements- Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering (or related) with >5 years in opto-mechanical design
- Strong knowledge of precision mechanical design, vacuum tech, and kinematic design
- Proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoDesk, Creo)
- Experience with FEA tools for structural/thermal/vibration analysis (e.g., ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation)
- Solid understanding of optical principles (geometrical and physical optics) and lasers
- Experience with optical design software and ray tracing (e.g., Zemax, Code V)
- U.S. Person (ITAR)
- Must be able to travel and work in cross-functional teams
- Clear communication with customers and suppliers
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Problem-solving mindset
- SolidWorks
- AutoDesk
- Creo
