Lead Opto-Mechanical Engineer - 077QE

Quartus Engineering Incorporated (www.quartus.com) is a leading provider of engineering services and integrated hardware solutions for a wide range of clients and industries. We employ advanced computer-aided engineering tools in the areas of optics, structural, thermal, and coupled analyses. We couple our engineering analysis capabilities with design, prototype, integration and test capabilities to create solutions for our clients that are of extraordinary value.

Quartus is a key contributor to aerospace advancements, specializing in engineering simulation and custom hardware. We’ve played a vital role in a diverse range of free space, launch and spacecraft projects including the NASA James Webb Space Telescope project for 17 years, covering design, analysis, and testing. Quartus is involved in leading in-space servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM) systems. Our expertise spans aircraft structural design, analysis, and testing, including support for FAA certifications. Quartus excels in commercial and defense aircraft applications, as well as custom optical systems like laser communications terminals and lidar payloads with both aerial and space applications.

As a Lead Opto-Mechanical Engineer in our Aerospace sector, you’ll lead the mechanical design and integration of high-performance optical systems in challenging environments. This hands-on, technical role spans the full project lifecycle from concept and design through build, alignment, and test. You’ll collaborate closely with cross-disciplinary teams and act as a go-to technical resource within your discipline.

• Design and develop opto-mechanical assemblies and sub-systems for a diverse range of applications such as aerospace, optical payloads, ground systems used for laser communication, energy transfer, and imaging
• Own challenging technical problems from concept through prototype
• Perform risk and tolerance analysis, and sub-system FMEA’s
• Lead technical execution on projects including task delegation, technical oversight, design reviews, and customer communication
• Serve as technical lead and primary technical point of contact on select projects
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to improving engineering standards and best practices
• Support proposals, technical presentations, and customer design reviews

Position is based in San Diego with a hybrid schedule.*

*The hybrid work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs including but not limited to training, performance, or other operational requirements. Any physical location change may impact future employment.

• BS and/or MS in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 10-17 years of experience in:
  • opto-mechanical design and integration for high performance optical systems in challenging environments
  • Optical system design and opto-mechanical packaging
  • Design of electromechanical mechanisms and precision mechanics (kinematic mounts)
  • Precision motion control
  • Heat transfer and thermal management solutions
  • GD&T application per ASME Y14.5M
  • CAD/CAE software (SolidWorks preferred)
  • Design validation using appropriate finite element analysis techniques
• Familiarity with optical raytracing software (Zemax, CodeV, etc)
• Experience with optical drawing creation (ISO 10110 preferred)
• Experience with optical alignment techniques in a lab setting
• Must be a US Person (U.S. Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident)

Opto-Mechanical Lead Engineer pay range: $138,476 - $230,793*

*This range represents base pay. In addition, you may be eligible for additional benefits and compensation.

Referral eligibility: Tier 1

Quartus is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to employing a diverse workforce, including, but not limited to, minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Quartus provides comprehensive benefits including competitive salary, discretionary performance-based bonus, employee stock ownership plan, medical, dental, vision, and 401k plan with company match.