Optomechanical Engineer, Staff

Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.

OUR MISSION

True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.

OUR VALUES

Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.

What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.

It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.

YOUR MISSION

True Anomaly is seeking an exceptional Staff Optomechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design and integration of high-performance infrared optical systems for our spacecraft payloads. You will serve as a senior technical authority for optomechanical architecture across our EO and IR payload programs — developing designs that survive demanding thermal and dynamic environments while maintaining stringent optical performance requirements. Working closely with optical, thermal, electrical, and systems engineering teams from concept through qualification and production, you will define the standards and approaches the broader Payloads team builds upon. You bring deep expertise in athermalized optomechanical design, IR optical system integration, and structural-thermal-optical performance analysis, and the technical range to drive program-level outcomes across multiple concurrent payload development efforts.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the design and development of optomechanical assemblies for infrared telescope and sensor systems, including flexure and kinematic mounts, lens and mirror housings, and structural interfaces

Develop athermalized optical designs to maintain alignment and performance across operational temperature ranges, applying material selection, bimetallic compensation, and CTE-matched adhesive bonding strategies

Design and integrate active and passive cooling solutions for optical components, detectors, and windows, including cryocoolers, conductive and radiative cooling approaches

Perform structural, thermal, and thermo-elastic analyses to predict optical performance under environmental loads including vibration, shock, and thermal gradients

Collaborate with optical designers to translate lens prescriptions into manufacturable designs, supporting line-of-sight error budgeting and end-to-end tolerance stack-up analysis

Support and lead optical alignment and metrology activities for optical assemblies, including interferometric, autocollimation, and CMM-based alignment techniques

Evaluate and implement vibration isolation solutions to protect sensitive optical assemblies from launch and operational disturbance environments

Define and maintain optomechanical design standards and best practices across the Payloads team, codifying reusable approaches that elevate the organization's collective capability

Generate detailed CAD models, drawings, and specifications for procurement and fabrication; work with suppliers to source optical components, coatings, and specialized hardware

Document design decisions, trade studies, and analysis results, and present findings at design reviews (PDR/CDR) and program milestones

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)

8+ years of professional experience in optomechanical design, with direct experience on infrared optical or sensor systems

Demonstrated expertise in flexure and kinematic mount design and athermalized optomechanical design techniques

Experience with structural and thermal analysis tools (ANSYS, NX Nastran, Thermal Desktop, or similar)

Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or similar) and strong GD&T and tolerance stack-up skills

Familiarity with optical alignment and metrology techniques and optical component specifications and fabrication processes

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

Demonstrated ability to perform Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) analysis and apply results to drive design decisions

Skilled in line-of-sight error budgeting for precision pointing and tracking applications

Proficient in CTE-matched adhesive bonding and potting techniques for optical mount applications

Able to design and characterize vibration isolation systems for sensitive optical assemblies

Capable of designing complete optical trains including telescopes, relay optics, and IR lens systems from first principles

Practiced in stray light analysis and mitigation including baffle design and ghost analysis

Proficient with optical modeling software (Zemax/OpticStudio, CODE V, FRED, ASAP, or similar)

Familiar with IR-transmissive materials (sapphire, germanium, ZnSe, etc.) and their thermal and mechanical properties

Versed in vacuum-compatible design practices including outgassing and contamination control

Prior background in missile defense, space systems, or other high-reliability aerospace programs

Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, startup environment or a similarly dynamic setting

COMPENSATION

Base Salary: $185,000 - $285,000

Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Work Location —Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Long Beach.

Work environment —the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.

Physical demands —the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us.