Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer Long Beach, California

About the Role

We are seeking a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer to bridge the optical and mechanical disciplines in support of advanced optical systems for deep-space missions. This engineer will design the structures, mounts, and mechanisms that preserve optical alignment through thermal variation, launch vibration, and on-orbit gravity release. The role partners closely with the Optics Engineer on optical prescription, the Optical Communications Engineer on pointing and isolation requirements, and the Mechanical Engineer on structural and thermal analysis.

Responsibilities

Design opto-mechanical structures, mounts, and mechanisms for deep-space optical systems to maintain alignment under thermal, vibration, and gravity loads; collaborate with optics and mechanical teams to integrate optical prescriptions, pointing and isolation requirements, and structural/thermal analysis.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a related field
• 5+ years of experience in opto-mechanical design for precision optical systems or similar
• Strong understanding of opto-mechanical design principles
• Proficiency in CAD modeling for optical or precision mechanical assemblies
• Experience using FEA to evaluate opto-mechanical structures for gravity sag, thermal distortion, and vibration response

Nice to have

• Working knowledge of thermal effects on optical alignment, including CTE mismatch and thermally induced distortion
• Experience with space opto-mechanical hardware or environments
• Familiarity with contamination-sensitive hardware, optical coatings, and material selection for optical systems
• Knowledge of materials commonly used in opto-mechanical design, including aluminum alloys, stainless steel fasteners, and optics-compatible adhesives

Compensation & Benefits

Hiring Range: $142,000 – $214,000 USD.

Relativity Space offers competitive salary and equity, generous PTO and sick leave, parental leave, an annual learning and development stipend, and more.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.