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Optical Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BAE Systems

Eng Sr Prin - Mech

Austin, TX · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

BAE Systems is currently looking for a talented Senior Principal Optical - Mechanical Engineer to join our EO/IR Capability Group . This group comprises a team of expert Optical, Electro-Optical ...

Impulse Space

Optical Test Engineer II

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Design and build optical, mechanical, and electrical systems in support of spacecraft ... Strong engineering fundamentals in optical, mechanical, and electrical analysis * Prior hands-on ...

Impulse Space

Optical Test Engineer II

Redondo Beach, CA · On-site

$115K - $165K/yr

Design and build optical, mechanical, and electrical systems in support of spacecraft ... Strong engineering fundamentals in optical, mechanical, and electrical analysis * Prior hands-on ...

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Optical Mechanical Engineer information

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$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

How much do optical mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for optical mechanical engineer in the United States is $102,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Optical Mechanical Engineers?

Optical Mechanical Engineers design, develop, and integrate mechanical components and systems that support optical devices, such as lenses, mirrors, lasers, and cameras. They ensure that these components maintain precise alignment, stability, and functionality in complex optical systems. Their work often involves collaborating with optical and electrical engineers to create products like microscopes, telescopes, medical imaging devices, and laser systems. Additionally, they use specialized software to model and simulate mechanical designs, ensuring durability and reliability under various environmental conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Mechanical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, optics, and materials science, ideally supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), optical design tools (like Zemax or Code V), and experience with precision manufacturing processes are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These competencies enable engineers to design and develop complex optical systems that meet performance, manufacturability, and reliability standards.

What is the difference between Optical Mechanical Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectOptical Mechanical EngineerOptical Engineer
Required credentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical, Mechanical, or related engineeringBachelor's or Master's in Optical, Physics, or related field
Work environmentDesigning and testing optical-mechanical systems, often in labs or manufacturingDeveloping optical systems, testing, and analysis, often in R&D or production
Industry usageOptics, aerospace, defense, medical devicesOptics, telecommunications, imaging, laser systems

Optical Mechanical Engineers focus on integrating optical components with mechanical systems, while Optical Engineers primarily work on designing and analyzing optical systems. Both roles require strong technical skills and often overlap in industries like aerospace and medical devices, but their core responsibilities differ in system integration versus optical design.

What are some common challenges faced by Optical Mechanical Engineers when integrating optical and mechanical components?

Optical Mechanical Engineers often encounter challenges related to aligning precise optical elements within mechanical assemblies while maintaining stability and minimizing distortion. Achieving tight tolerances is critical, as even slight misalignments can impact system performance. Additionally, they must consider factors such as thermal expansion, vibration, and environmental conditions, which can affect both mechanical and optical integrity. Collaboration with optical designers, manufacturing teams, and quality assurance is essential to address these challenges effectively and ensure successful product development.
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Optical Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optical Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Specialist, Mechanical Engineer - Dynamics Analyst (Space Optical Systems)

L3HHCM20

Rochester, NY • On-site

$75K - $142K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Specialist, Mechanical Engineer - Dynamics Analyst (Space Optical Systems)

Job Code: 37544

Job Location: Rochester NY or Wilmington, MA

Job Schedule: 9/80 (Every other Friday off!)

Relocation: Relocation assistance is available for qualified applicants

 

Job Description: Dynamics Analyst (GN&C/ACS/Controls/LOS/Jitter)

L3Harris is seeking a highly skilled Dynamics Analyst to perform design, analysis, modeling, and testing of high-performance controls for electro-mechanical and optical-mechanical systems with focus on Attitude Control Systems, Controls, LOS/Jitter, and/or dynamic testing.  The analyst will use their experience to model, analyze and simulate dynamic systems, utilizing methodologies for a variety of dynamic systems, but with a primary focus on system-level interdisciplinary electro-mechanical optical systems. This includes, but is not limited to, actuated optical systems, high bandwidth steering mirror control, multidisciplinary system modeling and characterization, image stabilization, and closed loop state estimation.

Job responsibilities include:

  • Control Theory: Applying classical and modern control theory concepts such as stability, feedback control, and robustness. Utilizing analysis tools like Bode, Nyquist, Nichols, pole-zero plots, root-locus, and frequency-response analysis.
  • Control Systems: Conducting analysis, synthesis, development, and implementation of feedback control systems. This includes developing models as state-variable equations, transfer functions, and/or block diagrams to determine dynamic systems characteristics, and analyzing both time and frequency responses.
  • Structural Dynamics and Vibration Analysis: Performing structural dynamics and vibration analysis, including random vibration and acoustic analysis, design, measurement, and computation of multi-degree-of-freedom systems.
  • Computational Methods: Employing finite-element-based computational methods, dynamic testing methods, and modal analysis (both analytical and experimental).
  • Optical Performance Analysis: Evaluating system-level optical performance related to pointing, smear, and jitter.
  • Digital Signal Processing: Applying fundamental concepts and techniques of digital signal processing theory and its applications, including discrete-time signals, systems, and modern digital processing algorithms for both time-domain and frequency-domain methods.

Essential Functions:

  • Model control systems as part of larger system simulations for electro-mechanical and opto-mechanical hardware
  • Line-of-sight (LOS) control, attitude control, servo control, Kalman filtering
  • Algorithm development, implementation, flight software development, mission simulation, verification and validation
  • Multidisciplinary (hardware, electronics, and software) integrated system development and operation
  • Dynamic stabilization\isolation, passive vibration control, active vibration control
  • Model characterization and performance predictions\evaluations
  • Modal\Random Vibration\Acoustic\Shock model predictions, testing and correlation
  • Definition and documentation of system specifications

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering or other related engineering or science degree and minimum 4 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 8 years of prior related experience.
  • Professional experience with dynamic stabilization\isolation, passive vibration control, active vibration control.
  • 2+ years of experience using MATLAB and Simulink.
  • Professional experience with algorithm development and implementation for aerospace applications
  • Ability to obtain a U.S. TS/SCI Security Clearance

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Active TS/SCI Clearance is preferred but not required
  • Proficient in FE modeling and analysis tools, MATLAB, Simulink, C/C++
  • Knowledge of astrodynamics principles relevant to remote sensing. Familiarity with space mission analysis and design impacts on remote sensing.
  • Familiarity with key elements of modeling the end-to-end imaging chain of remote sensing systems, with particular focus on the LOS impacts on image quality.
  • Preferred experience with real-time control implementation, and embedded C/C++ programming.

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Colorado state, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New York state, and Vermont is $75,500.00 - $142,500.00. This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

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