Own the full lifecycle of spacecraft opto-mechanical systems, from concept and detailed design through prototyping, validation, supplier coordination, and production. Design optical assemblies, mounts, and precision alignment mechanisms; perform tolerance analyses; integrate mechanical, optical, and electrical components; and lead design reviews. Collaborate cross-functionally, mentor junior engineers, support hiring, and contribute to hardware development in a fast-paced aerospace environment.
Astranis builds advanced satellites for high orbits, expanding humanity’s reach into the solar system. Today Astranis satellites provide dedicated, secure networks to highly-sophisticated customers across the globe – large enterprises, sovereign governments, and the US military.
With five satellites on orbit and many more set to launch soon, the company is servicing a backlog of more than $1 billion of commercial contracts. Astranis is the preferred satellite communications partner for buyers with stringent requirements for uptime, data security, network visibility, and customization.
Astranis has raised over $1.2 billion from some of the world’s best investors, including Andreessen Horowitz, Baillie Gifford, Blackrock, Fidelity, Franklin Templeton, and Snowpoint, and employs a team of 500 engineers and entrepreneurs. Astranis designs, builds, and operates its satellites out of its 153,000 sq. ft. headquarters in Northern California, USA.
Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer
As an Astranis Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer you will own the complete lifecycle of various opto-mechanical systems on our spacecraft. Whether it is incremental improvements or the introduction of a new system, you will work together with the various other teams at Astranis to make them a reality.
In addition to being a significant individual on your own, you will mentor and train junior opt-mechanical engineers on such projects. You must have a strong problem-solving background, hands-on testing skills, and preferably some experience with spacecraft and/or aerospace engineering.
As an Astranis Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer you will own the complete lifecycle of various opto-mechanical systems on our spacecraft. Whether it is incremental improvements or the introduction of a new system, you will work together with the various other teams at Astranis to make them a reality.
In addition to being a significant individual on your own, you will mentor and train junior opt-mechanical engineers on such projects. You must have a strong problem-solving background, hands-on testing skills, and preferably some experience with spacecraft and/or aerospace engineering.
Role
- Develop new opto-mechanical products from concept and detailed design through engineering drawings, vendor selection, evaluation, prototype builds and production
- Design and integrate free-space optical assemblies, miniature optics, optical mounts and precision alignment mechanisms
- Perform detailed tolerance analyses and tolerance stack-ups for optical and mechanical assemblies
- Integrate mechanical, optical and electrical components into complex optoelectronic systems
- Lead mechanical and opto-mechanical design reviews
- Work closely with optical, electrical, manufacturing and other cross-functional engineering teams
- Assist in recruiting, interviewing, and hiring additional teammates to our rapidly-growing team.
- B.S. or M.S in mechanical, aerospace engineering or equivalent
- 5+ years of opto-mechanical design experience, combining precision mechanical design with optical system integration
- Experience in detailed design, development and validation of mechanical assemblies from prototype through manufacturing
- Experience designing mechanical mounts, interfaces and assemblies for optical components such as lenses, mirrors, lasers/light sources, detectors, fibers or similar optical components
- Experience with precision optical alignment, including active and/or passive alignment; micron or sub-micron alignment experience is highly desirable
- Experience with free-space optics and miniature optical assemblies
- Experience working with suppliers and/or contract manufacturers
- A passion for hardware development, including working in a fast-paced environment with hands-on design and development
- A motivated leader who has experience mentoring and supporting junior engineers
- Understanding of how mechanical tolerances, thermal effects, vibration and assembly variation can affect optical performance and alignment
- Don't meet them all? Not a problem. Please apply even if you do not meet all these criteria
- Experience running a development program while delegating to a small team
- Experience in synthesizing requirements and flowing them down to sub-scale verification builds and testing
- Knowledge of geometric optics and semiconductor packaging/assembly
- Experience designing prototype or production equipment for optoelectronic manufacturing
- Experience managing a team of engineers
What we offer:
All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.
Base pay is just one component of Astranis’s total rewards package. Your compensation also includes a significant equity package via incentive stock options, high-quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance, 401(k) retirement planning, flexible PTO, and free on-site catered meals.
Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.
Base Salary
$145,000—$225,000 USD
U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))
Our mission and products are built for everyone, regardless of gender, race, creed, or background. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we invite all people to join our team and bring their unique perspectives to make us stronger.
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Astranis Space Technologies San Francisco, California, USA Office
575 20th St,, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94107
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