II-VI Aerospace & Defense
Join to apply for the
Lead Mechanical Engineer
role at
II-VI Aerospace & Defense
Be among the first 25 applicants.
Pay Range $88,550.00 per year – $151,570.00 per year
Job Description The Lead Mechanical Engineer is responsible for directing the design, analysis, and integration of high‑performance opto‑mechanical systems, such as telescopes, beam directors, and related instruments and subsystems. The role spans the development of precision structures, mechanisms, and optical support assemblies for use on platforms ranging from terrestrial to spaceborne. Responsibilities include leading mechanical design teams in CAD modeling, performing or overseeing structural and thermal analyses, requirements tracking, and drawing release, while ensuring compliance with system‑level performance and functional requirements. The role requires close coordination with optical, controls, electrical, and systems engineering disciplines, oversight of vendors and fabrication, and support for tooling development, assembly, integration and test. The Lead Mechanical Engineer also contributes to program planning by supporting proposals, cost and schedule estimating, and risk management.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Lead the design of large telescope structures, mounts and optical support assemblies
Perform and/or oversee FEA for gravity sag, thermal distortion, thermal management, wind loading, and dynamic response
Participate in the characterization of system and component‑level optical performance
Develop mirror support mounts, metering structures, and precision, multi‑degree‑of‑freedom positioning actuators for alignment maintenance
Coordinate across disciplines (optical, controls, electrical, systems) to ensure functional and performance requirement compliance
Manage CAD modeling, detailed drawing generation, and tolerance budgeting
Integrate mechanical designs with subsystems such as drives, bearings, enclosures, and thermal management systems
Define technical requirements, support procurement, and oversee vendor fabrication/testing
Lead risk reduction activities such as breadboards, subscale prototypes, and structural tests
Support assembly, integration, and test with tooling design and review of work instructions
Manage as‑built documentation through a formal configuration management process, including troubleshooting and dispositioning non‑conforming material
Present design status, risk assessments, and compliance evidence at major reviews (PDR, CDR)
Contribute to proposals, cost and schedule estimating, and program planning
Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to the mechanical design team
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline is typically required. An understanding of precision mechanism design and/or opto‑mechanical design principles, as well as hands‑on hardware assembly, integration, and testing, is essential.
Minimum seven years of related experience in a professional role with a bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences or related discipline; or minimum five years with a master’s degree; or three years with a doctorate in a relevant field.
Skills
Strong foundation in structural and mechanical engineering, with emphasis on precision opto‑mechanical systems for operation in harsh or challenging environments
Expertise in CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and/or advanced FEA (NX Nastran or SimCenter are preferred)
Experience with thermal, structural, and dynamic analysis of opto‑mechanical systems
Familiarity with opto‑mechanical interfaces and tolerancing (GD&T) for precision optical systems
Knowledge of materials selection (steel, aluminum, composites, ceramics) and processing for large precision structures
Experience designing optical mounts for reflective or refractive systems in harsh environments is preferred
Experience integrating, aligning, and testing optical systems is a plus
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated ability to achieve results independently or in a team; strong organizational skills and attention to detail required
Experience with configuration management of engineering (as‑designed) documentation
Experience with vendor engagement, fabrication processes, and large component manufacturing
Solid understanding of design for assembly and integration in complex opto‑mechanical devices including alignment planning
Good analytical and problem‑solving skills; familiarity with analytical tools used for problem solving and process development
Strong problem‑solving, risk assessment, and trade‑study skills
Excellent communication skills for technical reviews, documentation, and cross‑discipline coordination
Leadership ability to direct design teams and mentor less experienced engineers
Working Conditions
Job operates in a professional office environment.
Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
Work in a cubicle office.
Physical Requirements
Walk, occasionally move around the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
Talking, expressing ideas verbally with accuracy, loudness, or speed as required.
Hearing, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, with or without correction.
Use hands/fingers to type, handle equipment.
Sedentary work; primarily sitting with occasional walking.
Safety Requirements All employees must follow site EHS procedures and corporate EHS standards.
Quality & Environmental Responsibilities May be responsible for execution and maintenance of ISO 9000, 9001, 14001, and other applicable standards.
Culture Commitment
Integrity – Create an environment of trust.
Collaboration – Innovate through sharing.
Accountability – Own the process and outcome.
Respect – Recognize the value in everyone.
Enthusiasm – Find purpose in work.
Equal Opportunity Statement We are an equal‑opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Export Control Notice This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Candidates must be classified as a U.S. Person or eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license. Must be eligible for and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Secret Clearance, or higher if required.
Contact Information If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact: talentacquisition@coherent.com
About the Company II‑VI Aerospace & Defense is a high‑technology company offering careers in offices and campuses across the United States, focusing on atmospheric sensing, imaging, adaptive optics, optical communications, coherent beam combining, and numerical performance analysis of atmospheric optics systems.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Lead Mechanical Engineer
role at
II-VI Aerospace & Defense
Be among the first 25 applicants.
Pay Range $88,550.00 per year – $151,570.00 per year
Job Description The Lead Mechanical Engineer is responsible for directing the design, analysis, and integration of high‑performance opto‑mechanical systems, such as telescopes, beam directors, and related instruments and subsystems. The role spans the development of precision structures, mechanisms, and optical support assemblies for use on platforms ranging from terrestrial to spaceborne. Responsibilities include leading mechanical design teams in CAD modeling, performing or overseeing structural and thermal analyses, requirements tracking, and drawing release, while ensuring compliance with system‑level performance and functional requirements. The role requires close coordination with optical, controls, electrical, and systems engineering disciplines, oversight of vendors and fabrication, and support for tooling development, assembly, integration and test. The Lead Mechanical Engineer also contributes to program planning by supporting proposals, cost and schedule estimating, and risk management.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
Lead the design of large telescope structures, mounts and optical support assemblies
Perform and/or oversee FEA for gravity sag, thermal distortion, thermal management, wind loading, and dynamic response
Participate in the characterization of system and component‑level optical performance
Develop mirror support mounts, metering structures, and precision, multi‑degree‑of‑freedom positioning actuators for alignment maintenance
Coordinate across disciplines (optical, controls, electrical, systems) to ensure functional and performance requirement compliance
Manage CAD modeling, detailed drawing generation, and tolerance budgeting
Integrate mechanical designs with subsystems such as drives, bearings, enclosures, and thermal management systems
Define technical requirements, support procurement, and oversee vendor fabrication/testing
Lead risk reduction activities such as breadboards, subscale prototypes, and structural tests
Support assembly, integration, and test with tooling design and review of work instructions
Manage as‑built documentation through a formal configuration management process, including troubleshooting and dispositioning non‑conforming material
Present design status, risk assessments, and compliance evidence at major reviews (PDR, CDR)
Contribute to proposals, cost and schedule estimating, and program planning
Mentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to the mechanical design team
Education & Experience
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related discipline is typically required. An understanding of precision mechanism design and/or opto‑mechanical design principles, as well as hands‑on hardware assembly, integration, and testing, is essential.
Minimum seven years of related experience in a professional role with a bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences or related discipline; or minimum five years with a master’s degree; or three years with a doctorate in a relevant field.
Skills
Strong foundation in structural and mechanical engineering, with emphasis on precision opto‑mechanical systems for operation in harsh or challenging environments
Expertise in CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and/or advanced FEA (NX Nastran or SimCenter are preferred)
Experience with thermal, structural, and dynamic analysis of opto‑mechanical systems
Familiarity with opto‑mechanical interfaces and tolerancing (GD&T) for precision optical systems
Knowledge of materials selection (steel, aluminum, composites, ceramics) and processing for large precision structures
Experience designing optical mounts for reflective or refractive systems in harsh environments is preferred
Experience integrating, aligning, and testing optical systems is a plus
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated ability to achieve results independently or in a team; strong organizational skills and attention to detail required
Experience with configuration management of engineering (as‑designed) documentation
Experience with vendor engagement, fabrication processes, and large component manufacturing
Solid understanding of design for assembly and integration in complex opto‑mechanical devices including alignment planning
Good analytical and problem‑solving skills; familiarity with analytical tools used for problem solving and process development
Strong problem‑solving, risk assessment, and trade‑study skills
Excellent communication skills for technical reviews, documentation, and cross‑discipline coordination
Leadership ability to direct design teams and mentor less experienced engineers
Working Conditions
Job operates in a professional office environment.
Routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines.
Work in a cubicle office.
Physical Requirements
Walk, occasionally move around the office to access file cabinets, office machinery, etc.
Talking, expressing ideas verbally with accuracy, loudness, or speed as required.
Hearing, perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, with or without correction.
Use hands/fingers to type, handle equipment.
Sedentary work; primarily sitting with occasional walking.
Safety Requirements All employees must follow site EHS procedures and corporate EHS standards.
Quality & Environmental Responsibilities May be responsible for execution and maintenance of ISO 9000, 9001, 14001, and other applicable standards.
Culture Commitment
Integrity – Create an environment of trust.
Collaboration – Innovate through sharing.
Accountability – Own the process and outcome.
Respect – Recognize the value in everyone.
Enthusiasm – Find purpose in work.
Equal Opportunity Statement We are an equal‑opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Export Control Notice This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Candidates must be classified as a U.S. Person or eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license. Must be eligible for and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Security Secret Clearance, or higher if required.
Contact Information If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact: talentacquisition@coherent.com
About the Company II‑VI Aerospace & Defense is a high‑technology company offering careers in offices and campuses across the United States, focusing on atmospheric sensing, imaging, adaptive optics, optical communications, coherent beam combining, and numerical performance analysis of atmospheric optics systems.
#J-18808-Ljbffr