Principal Optomechanical Engineer

Principal Optomechanical Engineer – Space Systems �� Toulouse, France
��️ Space | Optical Systems | Payloads | Optomechanics

We’re looking for a Principal Optomechanical Engineer to join a growing space technology team in Toulouse, working on the development of advanced optical systems and payloads for future space missions.
This is a senior technical position for an engineer who can take ownership of the mechanical architecture surrounding high-performance optical systems, from early concept and trade studies through detailed design, analysis, qualification and flight hardware.
You’ll work at the intersection of optics, mechanical engineering, thermal engineering and space systems, solving the problems that determine whether a precision optical instrument will actually perform once it reaches orbit.
What you’ll be doing You’ll take technical ownership of optomechanical design and development, including:

• Mechanical architecture of optical instruments, payloads and assemblies
• Precision mounting and alignment of mirrors, lenses, detectors and optical components
• Design of structures, mounts, interfaces and mechanisms
• Managing optical alignment and stability through launch and on-orbit environments
• Structural, thermal and thermoelastic design considerations
• Tolerance analysis and optomechanical error budgeting
• Material selection for dimensional and thermal stability
• Supporting FEA, vibration, shock and thermal analysis
• Working closely with optical engineers to translate optical requirements into mechanical designs
• Supporting manufacturing, assembly, integration and testing
• Defining and reviewing environmental qualification campaigns
• Technical reviews and design justification
• Mentoring engineers and providing technical direction across optomechanical activities

As a Principal Engineer, you’ll also have a strong influence on engineering standards, design decisions and future technical architecture.
What we’re looking for We’re interested in speaking with engineers who have strong experience developing precision optomechanical systems for demanding environments.
Ideally, you’ll bring experience in several of the following:

• Optomechanical engineering
• Space optical instruments or payloads
• Telescopes, cameras, laser systems, EO/IR systems or scientific instrumentation
• Precision mechanical design
• Optical mounting and alignment
• Thermoelastic behaviour and dimensional stability
• Structural and thermal analysis
• Vibration and launch-load environments
• Optical tolerance/error budgets
• Space-qualified materials and manufacturing processes
• Assembly, Integration and Test (AIT/AIV)

Experience taking hardware through the full development lifecycle from concept to qualification or flight would be particularly valuable.
Why consider it? This is an opportunity to take a senior technical position within a space engineering team where you’ll have genuine ownership of the hardware you’re developing.
You’ll be based in Toulouse, at the centre of the European space industry, working alongside specialists across optics, mechanical, thermal, electronics and systems engineering.
If you’re an experienced Optomechanical Engineer, Optical Mechanical Engineer, Mechanical Architect or Space Optical Systems Engineer looking for greater technical ownership, I’d be very interested in speaking with you.
�� Apply or contact Jabe at GTS Space & Aerospace for a confidential discussion.