Opto-Mechanical Engineer-Associate Staff
Date: Mar 2, 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, freeform 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.
We are seeking talented and driven professionals who are excited to work on challenging real-world problems, develop and execute novel ideas, and work as an integral part of highly collaborative and nurturing teams. Lincoln Laboratory offers abundant opportunities and resources for learning and professional development, as well as a collaborative work environment across many disciplines.
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. These systems operate in various domains from underwater to space, have diverse functionalities and varying levels of complexities, and address various missions including 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.
An experienced optomechanical engineer’s roles and responsibilities can include a combination of the following, depending on the programs they are working on at the time.
- 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.
Experience: Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in opto-mechanical design and development.
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.
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.
At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include:
- 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!
Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.
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.
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
Nearest Major Market: Boston
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