Principal Opto-Mechanical Design Engineer

Mbryonics is at the forefront of free space optical communications. Our product portfolio covers a wide range of emerging technologies from photonic integrated circuits to advanced optical systems and embedded software solutions. Our optical communications systems are integrated and deployed in satellite communications systems. The work is exciting and challenging and is at the forefront of the technology domains. As part of our expansion, we are currently looking for a suitably motivated - Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer  - to join our group.

What you’ll do

• Technically lead and improve engineering practices across the opto-mechanical design domain, including production of the same, for the continuous improvement of MBRYONICS capabilities and engineering excellence.
• Mentor engineers, providing guidance, coaching, and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative, resilient and innovative engineering culture within MBRYONICS.
• Collaborate with optical, electrical, software, systems, and engineering teams to deliver robust, high-performance opto-mechanical subsystems.
• Serve as the principal technical authority on all mechanical aspects of optical system integration, including lens/mirror mounts, optical benches, gimbal platforms, and alignment strategies.
• Drive the application of CAD design, close-form calculations, finite element analysis (FEA) and prototyping skills in order to realise various types of opto-mechanical systems and ensure optical performance across environments.
• Ensure mechanical designs meet space-grade standards (e.g., MIL‑STD, ECSS), produce and maintain GD&T-controlled drawings, procedures, and Bills of Materials under formal configuration control.
• Champion design-for-manufacture (DFM), assembly (DFA), and process improvements to accelerate product development cycles and increase system reliability.
• Investigate novel concepts for optical mounting, stray light suppression, thermal isolation, and kinematic design.
• Utilise a hands-on approach, be proactive and consistently help to progress product development in a multidisciplinary environment.
• Assist with motivating, mentoring and enhancing the team’s capabilities while thriving on setting and achieving your own mission deadlines.
• Prototype building, testing, documenting and developing processes, and producing support documentation.

Who you are

• 8 years of mechanical, aerospace, optical or related engineering field experience
• B Eng/M.Eng/Ph.D in Mechanical, Optical, Aerospace Engineering or relevant field
• Experience with a commercial CAD package
• Deep understanding of the interaction between mechanical design and optical system performance.
• Proficient with commercial CAD packages (SolidWorks, NX, or similar) and simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS, Femap, Nastran).
• Knowledge of early-stage prototyping, tolerance control, alignment, and thermal stability in optical systems.
• Familiar with materials and design practices relevant to space (e.g., Invar, Zerodur, carbon fiber, titanium).
• Effective leader
• Excellent written/verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Experience mentoring engineers, contributing to proposals, bids, and technical reviews.

Desirable Requirements/Technical Skills/Education:

• Experience designing and qualifying opto-mechanical hardware for space or high-reliability environments.
• Familiarity with space industry standards (ECSS/MIL-STD), CI/CD for mechanical releases, configuration control, and quality systems (ISO 9001 etc.)
• Experience in design and integration of optical elements (lenses, mirrors, filters) into dynamic or thermally challenging environments.
• Knowledge of, or keen interest in, the space sector
• Actively engaged in the field of mechanical engineering and continuous professional development
• Experience working with CNC machining, 3D printing, and precision alignment tools.
• Actively engaged in the field of opto-mechanical or optical engineering and committed to continuous professional development.