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Optomechanical Engineer

K2 Space· Mechanical
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Los Angeles, CA$120k - $210kFull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Optomechanical engineer role at K2 Space, focused on design and build of precision optomechanical structures for space-based optical payloads, bridging mechanical design and optics to maintain alignment through launch, thermal cycling, and on-orbit operation.

Responsibilities

  • Design optomechanical assemblies - optical benches, mirror mounts, lens cells, and support structures - from conceptual design through qualification to on-orbit operations, in support of internal and external customer needs
  • Own mounting and alignment of lenses and mirrors, selecting and designing mounting schemes (kinematic/semi-kinematic mounts, flexures, bonded interfaces) that constrain optics without over-constraining them
  • Design mirror support structures with explicit attention to jitter and dynamic stability, mount-induced deformation (bonding stress, bolt preload, gravity-release), and thermal stability (CTE matching, athermalization, gradient management)
  • Own optical alignment and stability budgets, translating wavefront and pointing decisions
  • Lead design reviews from kickoff through qualification and beyond
  • Drive hardware development, including hands-on assembly and alignment, development testing (vibration, thermal-vac, modal), analysis correlation, and follow-on hardware iterations
  • Perform hardware trades that steer both sub-system and top-level product direction
  • Collaborate with a cross-functional team - optical, thermal, structures, GNC, metrology, and manufacturing - to establish product requirements, company processes, and best practices for optomechanical design and manufacturing
  • Continually own and refine system deliverables and associated schedules throughout development and production

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical, aerospace, optical, or other relevant engineering discipline
  • 2+ years of experience in mechanical or optomechanical design and analysis, with a mechanics-heavy background
  • Proficiency with 3D CAD software for detailed part and assembly design
  • Hands-on experience mounting optics (lenses and mirrors) and designing the structures that support them

Skills

Required:Optomechanical design3D CADOptical alignmentSystem budgeting

Benefits

  • Base salary range for this role is $120,000 - $210,000 + equity in the company
  • Salary and level will be based on several factors including knowledge and skills, education, and experience level
  • Comprehensive benefits package including paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, life insurance, paid parental leave, and many other perks
Last updated Sep 16, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About K2 Space

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Building the largest satellites in orbit. Ultra-powerful, scalable platforms engineered for LEO–cislunar missions. Explore the next-generation of satellites.

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