Staff Opto Mechanical Engineer

Anduril Industries•Boulder, CO

About The Position

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Staff Opto-mechanical Engineer to play a key role in the development of a state-of-the-art ladar system. You will be responsible for the end-to-end mechanical design, analysis, build, and test of the optical payload, from conceptual design through to final system verification. This is a unique opportunity to design and build the hardware for a cutting-edge system that demands exceptional precision, stability, and performance in challenging environments

Requirements

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field.
8+ years of hands-on experience in the design, analysis, and integration of complex optomechanical systems, high-precision instrumentation, or similar hardware.
Mechanical Design & Analysis: Proficiency in 3D CAD (e.g., NX, SolidWorks) to design and analyze systems including structural, thermal, and vibration analysis.
Optical Mounting: Proven experience with techniques for mounting optical components (lenses, mirrors, prisms, detectors), including kinematic principles, flexure design, and adhesive bonding (e.g., with structural epoxies like Hysol EA 9394, RTV).
Materials for Stable Structures: Experience designing with materials critical for athermal and stable systems, including composites (specifically carbon fiber), low-CTE metals (Invar, Titanium), and ceramics.
Hands-on Integration & Test: Experience with the full hardware lifecycle, including assembly, integration, and testing (AI&T) of optomechanical systems. Must be comfortable working in a lab or cleanroom environment.
Tolerance Analysis: Strong understanding and practical application of Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) for manufacturability and system performance.
Experience leading technical teams or major subsystems through the full design lifecycle (from concept to delivery).
Experience with vendor management for sourcing custom components, machined parts, and optical elements.
Eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Secret security clearance

Nice To Haves

Direct experience designing, building, or testing precision pointed optical systems including ladar/lidar, laser communication, or directed energy systems.
Experience with athermal design to ensure optical performance over wide temperature ranges.
Experience with integrated modeling, such as thermo-elastic distortion analysis to predict optical performance changes (e.g., using SigFit, or custom scripts linking thermal/structural FEA to optical analysis software).
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using tools like ANSYS, NASTRAN, or similar. This must include structural, thermal, and vibration analysis.
Experience with jitter analysis and disturbance rejection in pointing systems.
Experience with the design and manufacturing of carbon fiber composite structures, including laminate design, tooling concepts, and bonding to metallic interfaces.
Experience with environmental testing for aerospace or defense applications, including vibration, shock, and thermal testing.

Responsibilities

Develop and deliver precision pointing optical systems and hardware from concept generation to real-world use.
Define top-level system architecture trades to develop optimal system designs.
Execute in-depth and rigorous opto-mechanical designs.
Build and test prototypes and full systems, analyze failures, and transition successful projects into production.
Support critical hardware demonstrations with customers as needed.
Contribute to the development of new optical systems by assisting in design and implementation efforts.
Travel to test sites as needed.

Benefits

Healthcare Benefits
US Roles: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans at little to no cost to you.
UK & AUS Roles: We cover full cost of medical insurance premiums for you and your dependents.
IE Roles: We offer an annual contribution toward your private health insurance for you and your dependents.
Additional Benefits
Income Protection: Anduril covers life and disability insurance for all employees.
Generous time off: Highly competitive PTO plans with a holiday hiatus in December. Caregiver & Wellness Leave is available to care for family members, bond with a new baby, or address your own medical needs.
Family Planning & Parenting Support: Coverage for fertility treatments (e.g., IVF, preservation), adoption, and gestational carriers, along with resources to support you and your partner from planning to parenting.
Mental Health Resources: Access free mental health resources 24/7, including therapy and life coaching. Additional work-life services, such as legal and financial support, are also available.
Professional Development: Annual reimbursement for professional development
Commuter Benefits: Company-funded commuter benefits based on your region.
Relocation Assistance: Available depending on role eligibility.
Retirement Savings Plan
US Roles: Traditional 401(k), Roth, and after-tax (mega backdoor Roth) options.
UK & IE Roles: Pension plan with employer match.
AUS Roles: Superannuation plan.