Optomechanical Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Company Description
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Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) has turned bold ideas into world-changing impact advancing science and technology to strengthen U.S. security and promote global stability.
Our mission spans four critical national security areas nuclear deterrence, threat preparedness, energy security, and multi-domain defense empowering teams to take on the toughest challenges of today and tomorrow. With a culture built on innovation and operational excellence, LLNL is a place where your expertise can make a real impact.
Job Description
We have an opening for a Senior Optomechanical Engineer for space applications. You will contribute to the development of next-generation large-aperture space telescopes, optical payloads, and precision optical systems supporting U.S. national security and scientific missions. This role focuses on optomechanical design, precision mechanisms, structural and thermal performance, and integration of optical systems into spacecraft environments. You will collaborate with engineers, scientists, physicists, and external partners to develop innovative optical systems for challenging operational environments. This position is in the Optomechanical Systems Engineering Group within the National Security Engineering Division (NSED), Engineering Directorate.
This position offers a hybrid schedule, blending in-person and virtual presence. You will have the flexibility to work from home one or more days per week.
This position will be filled at either level based on the candidate's knowledge, skills, and related experience as assessed by the hiring team. Additional job responsibilities (outlined below) will be assigned if hired at the higher level.
You will

• Design and analyze complex precision optomechanical assemblies, structures, mounts, and mechanisms for space-based optical systems.
• Perform optomechanical design of telescope and payload subsystems including mirrors, lenses, mounts, alignment features, and supporting structures.
• Develop analytical and numerical models to evaluate structural, thermal, dynamic, and stability performance.
• Apply precision engineering methodologies including tolerance analysis, error budgeting, thermal stability assessment, kinematic design, and metrology planning.
• Evaluate system performance through integrated optical and mechanical analyses and collaborate with optical engineers to assess design sensitivities.
• Support integration and testing activities including alignment planning, test fixture development, verification planning, and performance assessment.
• Serve as a technical point of contact and communicate technical results through reports, presentations, design reviews, and sponsor interactions.
• Contribute to proposal development, technical planning, and risk reduction activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional job responsibilities, at the SES.4 level

• Lead the development of optomechanical architectures and technical solutions for highly complex optical and spaceflight systems.
• Direct environmental verification and qualification activities including vibration, thermal-vacuum, and performance testing of precision optical hardware.
• Establish technical approaches, influence project direction, and provide technical leadership during design reviews and sponsor engagements.

Qualifications

• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field, or the equivalent combination of education and related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of optomechanical engineering principles, concepts, and practices.
• Significant experience in precision mechanical and optomechanical system design.
• Advanced knowledge and experience using mechanical design tools such as Creo, SolidWorks, or equivalent software.
• Advanced knowledge and experience using structural and thermal analysis tools such as ANSYS, NASTRAN, Abaqus, or equivalent software.
• Advanced knowledge of precision engineering methods including tolerance analysis, error budgeting, thermal stability analysis, and metrology planning.
• Experience collaborating effectively in multidisciplinary engineering environments.
• Advanced verbal and written communication skills necessary to effectively collaborate in a team environment and present technical information and provide advice to management.

Additional qualifications at the SES.4 level

• Subject matter expert knowledge of optomechanical design for highly complex optical or spaceflight systems.
• Demonstrated ability to independently lead development efforts involving advanced precision optical and mechanical technologies.
• Experience providing technical leadership, influencing project direction, and advising management, sponsors, and review boards.

Qualifications We Desire

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• Experience designing optical instrumentation, telescopes, or spaceflight payloads.
• Experience with optical integration and test activities, optical metrology, environmental testing, and space hardware development.
• Familiarity with active optics, adaptive optics, precision actuation systems, or wavefront control technologies.

Pay Range
$175.530 - $267,030 Annually
$175,530 - $222,564 Annually for the SES.3 level
$210,630 - $267,030 Annually for the SES.4 level
This is the lowest to highest salary we in good faith believe we would pay for this role at the time of this posting. An employee's position within the salary range will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, specific competencies, relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, geographic location, performance, and business or organizational needs.
Additional Information
#LI-Hybrid
Position Information
This is a Career Indefinite position, open to Lab employees and external candidates.
Why Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory?

• Included in 2026 Best Places to Work by Glassdoor!
• Flexible Benefits Package
• 401(k)
• Relocation Assistance
• Education Reimbursement Program
• Flexible schedules (*depending on project needs)
• Our values - visit https://www.llnl.gov/inclusion/our-values

Security Clearance
This position requires a Department of Energy (DOE) Q-level clearance. If you are selected, we will initiate a Federal background investigation to determine if you meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information or matter. Also, all L or Q cleared employees are subject to random drug testing. Q-level clearance requires U.S. citizenship.
Pre-Employment Drug Test
External applicant(s) selected for this position must pass a post-offer, pre-employment drug test. This includes testing for use of marijuana as Federal Law applies to us as a Federal Contractor.
Wireless and Medical Devices
Per the Department of Energy (DOE), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory must meet certain restrictions with the use and/or possession of mobile devices in Limited Areas. Depending on your job duties, you may be required to work in a Limited Area where you are not permitted to have a personal and/or laboratory mobile device in your possession. This includes, but not limited to cell phones, tablets, fitness devices, wireless headphones, and other Bluetooth/wireless enabled devices.
If you use a medical device, which pairs with a mobile device, you must still follow the rules concerning the mobile device in individual sections within Limited Areas. Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities require separate approval. Hearing aids without wireless capabilities or wireless that has been disabled are allowed in Limited Areas, Secure Space and Transit/Buffer Space within buildings.
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We are an equal opportunity employer that is committed to providing all with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, protected veteran status, age, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
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