The Aerospace Corporation is the trusted partner to the nation’s space programs, solving the hardest problems and providing unmatched technical expertise. As the operator of a federally funded research and development center (FFRDC), we are broadly engaged across all aspects of space— delivering innovative solutions that span satellite, launch, ground, and cyber systems for defense, civil and commercial customers. When you join our team, you’ll be part of a special collection of problem solvers, thought leaders, and innovators. Join us and take your place in space.
At Aerospace, we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse workplace for all employees to share in our common passion and aspiration – to carry out a mission much bigger than ourselves.
Job Summary
The Aerospace Corporation’s Experiment Lab, xLab, develops prototypes, instruments, pathfinders, and demonstration systems to address our customers’ hardest problems at the speed of need. We engage with our customers to conceptualize innovative solutions and deliver impactful products for ground and space and everything in between. We are looking for engineers with a passion for design, a commitment to teamwork and a desire to help xLab make a difference to today’s challenges.
As an
Optical Mechanical Design Engineer, you will develop next generation prototypes for space, airborne, and ground systems. You will design mechanical systems such as space imaging payloads using laser-communication, housings for electronics packaging, mechanisms, opto-mechanical systems, and ground support equipment.
This is a full-time position based in El Segundo, CA, offering a hybrid work model that combines regular onsite work and remote flexibility as the business needs allow.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Design and analyze opto-mechanical systems for laboratory, ground, air, and space applications.
- Assemble and test mechanical systems with an emphasis on opto-mechanical systems.
- Engage with stakeholders to develop requirements and interfaces.
- Work independently, and under the direction of systems engineering, project management, and scientists.
Minimum Requirements
What You Need to be Successful
- Bachelor's degree in Optics, Physics, Mechanical, or Aerospace Engineering is required
- A minimum of 2 years of experience in Optical, Opto-Mechanical Design, Mechanical or related experience is required
- Expertise in using CAD modeling tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, or NX
- Knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
- Demonstrated experience developing mechanical parts, assemblies and mechanical systems.
- Experience in solving mechanical engineering problems, with the ability to perform analyses, trade studies, develop conceptual configurations, engineer piece-parts and mechanical systems, and facilitate the fabrication, assembly and testing of mechanical systems.
- Good communication (oral, written, presentation), interpersonal, negotiation and organizational skills.
- Willingness to occasionally travel and to work off-business hours to support customer needs, approximately 10% (as required)
- This position requires ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance, which is issued by the U.S. government. U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a security clearance.
How You Can Stand Out
It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:
- Master's degree in Optics, Physics, or Mechanical Engineering is strongly preferred
- 5 or more years of increasing responsibility and related engineering experience is encouraged
- Experience with the development of airborne or spaceflight hardware and systems
- Strong knowledge with opto-mechanical design using Code V, OSLO, Zemax or similar is a plus
- Experience with mechanism design is preferable
We offer a competitive compensation package where you’ll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. The grade-based pay range for this job is listed below. Individual salaries within that range are determined through a wide variety of factors including but not limited to education, experience, knowledge and skills.
(Min - Mid - Max)
$70,000 - $105,000 - $130,000
Pay Basis: Annual
Ways We Reward Our Employees
During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.
Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.
A few highlights include:
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
- Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
- Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
- 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
- Flexible spending accounts
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
- Relocation assistance
- Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
- Education assistance programs
- An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect
We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.
Equal Opportunity Commitment
The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.