Opto-Mechanical & Optical Assembly Engineer

Ravee Optics Inc

DAYTON, OH

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$150,000–$250,000
SKILLS
3D Modeling, Aerospace and Defense, Assembly Equipment, Best Practices, C Programming Language, CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing), Cleanroom, Communication Systems, Cross-Functional, Design for Assembly (DFA), Finite Element Analysis, Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing, Laboratory Management, Laser Communications, Leadership, Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)\Laser Detection and Ranging (LADAR), Manufacturing Design, Mechanical Assembly, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Optics, PTC Creo, Physics, Prism, SolidWorks, Systems Engineering, Team Player, Test Lab, Thermal Analysis
LOCATION
DAYTON, OH
POSTED
5 days ago

Position Overview: 

We are seeking a hands-on Opto-Mechanical & Optical Assembly Engineer to support the design, assembly, alignment, and integration of precision free-space optical communication (FSOC) systems. This cross-disciplinary role combines opto-mechanical design with laboratory optical alignment expertise to enable high-performance laser communication terminals for space, airborne, and ground-based platforms. 

 

Key Responsibilities: 

  • Design and develop precision opto-mechanical housing, metering structure, mounts, fixtures, and enclosures for free-space laser communication systems. 
  • Lead the alignment and assembly of optical subsystems, including collimators, beam expanders, fast steering mirrors, prisms, and optical benches. 
  • Collaborate with optical and systems engineers to develop and ensure best practice in optical path layout, tolerancing, and kinematic alignment strategies. 
  • Create detailed mechanical drawings and 3D models using SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent CAD tools. 
  • Conduct FEA and thermal analysis to ensure performance under vibration, shock, and thermal gradients. 
  • Develop and follow detailed assembly and integration procedures for optical terminals. 
  • Work in the lab to perform hands-on optical alignment using interferometers, beam profilers, and autocollimators. 
  • Assist in the design and assembly of optical alignment jigs and test stations. 
  • Support environmental testing, including thermal-vacuum and vibration qualification of optical subsystems. 

Required Qualifications: 

  • B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field. 
  • 3+ years of experience in opto-mechanical design and precision optical assembly. 
  • Experience working with free-space laser communication systems or high-precision optical systems (e.g., telescopes, beam steering modules, lidar). 
  • Proficient in CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo) and mechanical tolerancing (GD&T). 
  • Familiarity with optical alignment techniques and lab tools (e.g., laser alignment, alignment scopes, micrometers). 
  • Ability to interpret optical layout drawings and interface with optical designers. 
  • Comfortable working in cleanroom or controlled lab environments. 

 

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • Experience with space- or flight-qualified opto-mechanical assemblies. 
  • Knowledge of SWaP-C considerations and design for manufacturing/assembly (DFMA). 
  • Familiarity with optical communication link concepts, beam divergence, and pointing/tracking mechanisms. 
  • Experience with Risley prism or gimbal-based optical steering systems. 
  • Background in aerospace or defense programs is a strong plus. 

 

What We Offer: 

  • Competitive compensation and equity packages 
  • Access to advanced optical test labs and cleanroom facilities 
  • A collaborative, multidisciplinary team working on next-gen optical communications 
  • Opportunities for technical growth, autonomy, and leadership 
  • Flexible work environment with strong emphasis on innovation and impact 

 

Join Us 

If you're excited about building the future of connectivity in space, we'd love to talk. 

About Ravee Optics:  

The next space race is not about rockets. It's about data in orbit. Thousands of satellites, on-orbit compute nodes, and autonomous space systems will soon require high-speed, secure, and scalable connectivity in space. RF links cannot keep up with the data demands of this new orbital infrastructure. Ravee Optics is building next-generation optical communications terminals to power the future of inter-satellite connectivity and on-orbit data transport. 

About the Company

R

Ravee Optics Inc