Opto-Mechanical Engineer-Associate Staff
MIT Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA, United States
Job Title:
Opto-Mechanical Engineer - Associate Staff
Date:
Mar 31, 2026
Location:
Lexington, MA, US
Company:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which conducts groundbreaking R&D to solve problems that are critical not only to national security but to the advancement of science itself. The Optical Engineering Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory develops and prototypes novel, one‑of‑a‑kind optical systems for terrestrial, air, and space missions of national importance. Recently the Group has been involved in optical payload development efforts for satellite imaging systems, space and ground laser communications systems, airborne laser imaging and spectroscopic systems, and high energy laser optical systems. The Group has a rich history of developing and demonstrating innovative optical solutions to achieve enhanced capability and performance for complex systems operating under challenging conditions. Recently, this included compact, extremely wide field‑of‑view space telescopes; ultra‑compact, free‑form optics‑based cameras for ubiquitous operation; and fiber‑encapsulated ultra‑small optical imaging systems. The efforts have led to multiple fielded systems, peer‑reviewed publications, patents, and innovation awards. The Group consists of more than 30 professionals with diverse expertise and skill sets covering concept development through detailed design, analysis, assembly, alignment, and comprehensive testing.
Position Description
We are seeking a highly skilled Opto-Mechanical Engineer to design and develop custom opto‑mechanics for a wide range of optical systems operating in various domains from underwater to space, addressing diverse functionalities and mission types such as laser communications, wide area sensing, directed energy, etc. The Optical Engineering Group works on challenging defense and civil problems, collaborating closely with other engineers and multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions.
Responsibilities
Design and develop opto‑mechanical systems for optical applications, including system alignment and performance testing.
Conduct opto‑mechanical design, analytical tasks, trade studies, and integration/testing.
Collaborate with optical engineers and technical stakeholders to ensure system‑level design meets mission requirements.
Oversee the specification, fabrication, and testing of opto‑mechanical components.
Perform static and dynamic mechanical analyses using finite element analysis (FEA) tools.
Conduct coupled structural‑thermal‑optical (STOP) analyses to optimize system performance.
Generate and review mechanical/optical drawings, including tolerance analyses.
Present technical work to team members, supervisors, and program sponsors.
Lead and manage small teams during prototype lifecycle phases, including concept development, design, analysis, assembly/alignment, and testing.
Travel to meetings and field sites as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Precision Mechanics, or a related field or a Bachelors and 3+ years of experience.
Technical Skills
Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) software (e.g., Aras Innovator).
Familiarity with optical component mounting techniques, including kinematic (exact constraint) design principles.
Ability to perform static and dynamic mechanical analyses using FEA tools (NASTRAN/FEMAP preferred).
Experience conducting coupled structural‑thermal‑optical (STOP) analyses (desired).
Ability to read and generate mechanical/optical drawings and perform basic tolerance analyses.
Collaboration Skills
Strong ability to work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, optical, thermal, electrical, and systems engineers.
Excellent communication and presentation skills for technical work.
Leadership Skills
Experience leading and managing small teams (desired).
Additional Requirements
Ability to obtain necessary security clearances.
Willingness to travel to meetings and field sites as needed.
Why Join Us
This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting‑edge optical systems in a collaborative and innovative environment. You will contribute to impactful projects that push the boundaries of opto‑mechanical engineering while gaining exposure to diverse technical challenges and professional growth opportunities.
Compensation
Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $116,400 - $140,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $116,400 - $182,200
Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.
Benefits
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
MIT‑funded pension
Matching 401K
Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
Mentorship programs
A range of work‑life balance options
... and much more!
Background Check and Security Clearance
Selected candidate will be subject to a pre‑employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret level security clearance with compartmented program eligibility.
Equal Employment Opportunity
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.
Requisition ID:
42751
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Opto-Mechanical Engineer - Associate Staff
Date:
Mar 31, 2026
Location:
Lexington, MA, US
Company:
MIT Lincoln Laboratory
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is a Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC) which conducts groundbreaking R&D to solve problems that are critical not only to national security but to the advancement of science itself. The Optical Engineering Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory develops and prototypes novel, one‑of‑a‑kind optical systems for terrestrial, air, and space missions of national importance. Recently the Group has been involved in optical payload development efforts for satellite imaging systems, space and ground laser communications systems, airborne laser imaging and spectroscopic systems, and high energy laser optical systems. The Group has a rich history of developing and demonstrating innovative optical solutions to achieve enhanced capability and performance for complex systems operating under challenging conditions. Recently, this included compact, extremely wide field‑of‑view space telescopes; ultra‑compact, free‑form optics‑based cameras for ubiquitous operation; and fiber‑encapsulated ultra‑small optical imaging systems. The efforts have led to multiple fielded systems, peer‑reviewed publications, patents, and innovation awards. The Group consists of more than 30 professionals with diverse expertise and skill sets covering concept development through detailed design, analysis, assembly, alignment, and comprehensive testing.
Position Description
We are seeking a highly skilled Opto-Mechanical Engineer to design and develop custom opto‑mechanics for a wide range of optical systems operating in various domains from underwater to space, addressing diverse functionalities and mission types such as laser communications, wide area sensing, directed energy, etc. The Optical Engineering Group works on challenging defense and civil problems, collaborating closely with other engineers and multidisciplinary teams to deliver innovative solutions.
Responsibilities
Design and develop opto‑mechanical systems for optical applications, including system alignment and performance testing.
Conduct opto‑mechanical design, analytical tasks, trade studies, and integration/testing.
Collaborate with optical engineers and technical stakeholders to ensure system‑level design meets mission requirements.
Oversee the specification, fabrication, and testing of opto‑mechanical components.
Perform static and dynamic mechanical analyses using finite element analysis (FEA) tools.
Conduct coupled structural‑thermal‑optical (STOP) analyses to optimize system performance.
Generate and review mechanical/optical drawings, including tolerance analyses.
Present technical work to team members, supervisors, and program sponsors.
Lead and manage small teams during prototype lifecycle phases, including concept development, design, analysis, assembly/alignment, and testing.
Travel to meetings and field sites as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Precision Mechanics, or a related field or a Bachelors and 3+ years of experience.
Technical Skills
Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks preferred).
Experience with product lifecycle management (PLM) software (e.g., Aras Innovator).
Familiarity with optical component mounting techniques, including kinematic (exact constraint) design principles.
Ability to perform static and dynamic mechanical analyses using FEA tools (NASTRAN/FEMAP preferred).
Experience conducting coupled structural‑thermal‑optical (STOP) analyses (desired).
Ability to read and generate mechanical/optical drawings and perform basic tolerance analyses.
Collaboration Skills
Strong ability to work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, optical, thermal, electrical, and systems engineers.
Excellent communication and presentation skills for technical work.
Leadership Skills
Experience leading and managing small teams (desired).
Additional Requirements
Ability to obtain necessary security clearances.
Willingness to travel to meetings and field sites as needed.
Why Join Us
This position offers the opportunity to work on cutting‑edge optical systems in a collaborative and innovative environment. You will contribute to impactful projects that push the boundaries of opto‑mechanical engineering while gaining exposure to diverse technical challenges and professional growth opportunities.
Compensation
Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $116,400 - $140,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $116,400 - $182,200
Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including but not limited to, the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.
Benefits
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
MIT‑funded pension
Matching 401K
Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
Mentorship programs
A range of work‑life balance options
... and much more!
Background Check and Security Clearance
Selected candidate will be subject to a pre‑employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret level security clearance with compartmented program eligibility.
Equal Employment Opportunity
MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.
Requisition ID:
42751
#J-18808-Ljbffr