Optomechanical Engineer

JOB TITLE: Optomechanical Engineer

DIVISION:  Photonics

LOCATION:  Bedford, MA

REPORTS TO:  Engineering Manager

Scope of the Job:

QCi is seeking an Optomechanical Engineer — at a level commensurate with experience — to design and develop precision opto-mechanical assemblies and photonic module packages for Aerospace & Defense and advanced photonics applications. This individual will work across system-level architecture and component-level packaging, owning projects from concept through prototype, qualification, and manufacturing transfer. The ideal candidate is a motivated self-starter and problem solver with a data-driven mindset who operates effectively with minimal supervision.

Duties / Responsibilities:

• Lead packaging design at the component level for EO/OE devices including DFB lasers, optical receivers, fiber-optic components, and photonic integrated circuits (PICs) — from die attach and fiber pigtailing through hermetic sealing.
• Define system-level opto-mechanical architecture: translate optical and electrical requirements into integrated mechanical layouts, identify packaging constraints, and establish interface specifications across subsystems.
• Conceptualize, design, and prototype mechanical assemblies spanning free-space optical benches, fiber-optic subassemblies, and multi-element module housings.
• Own all mechanical CAD in SolidWorks: parts, assemblies, drawings, and configurations; enforce GD&T to ASME Y14.5; manage revision-controlled design documentation and vendor DFM/DFA coordination.
• Generate and review mechanical and optical drawings; perform tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure dimensional compliance over full environmental range.
• Design jigs, fixtures, and assembly tooling to support fiber pigtailing, lens alignment, die attach, and wire/ribbon bonding operations.
• Support qualification programs per MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-883, or Telcordia GR-468; define test plans, analyze data, and author qualification reports.
• Present technical work clearly to team members and customers; produce engineering reports, SOPs, and design review packages within an ISO 9001 / AS9100 QMS.

Required Skills & Experience:

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or equivalent discipline.
• 2–8 years of experience in opto-mechanical engineering, photonic module packaging, or precision optical instrument design; level and compensation commensurate with experience.
• Solid fundamentals of mechanical design: materials selection (metals, ceramics, optical glasses) and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated experience in product design and development — from concept through qualified, manufacturable hardware.
• Working experience packaging EO/OE modules: DFB lasers, optical receivers, fiber-optic assemblies, and PICs.
• Expert proficiency in SolidWorks (parts, assemblies, drawings, GD&T, configurations) — this is the primary design tool for this role.
• Motivated self-starter and problem solver with a data-driven mindset; drives tasks to closure independently.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills; experienced presenting technical work to internal teams and external customers.
• Must be a United States Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (ITAR requirement).

Additional Preferred Skills:

• Familiarity with Zemax OpticStudio for basic ray tracing and optical tolerance analysis.
• Experience with finite element flow simulation tools (e.g., ANSYS Fluent, COMSOL, or SolidWorks Flow Simulation) for aerodynamic analysis and thermal-fluid performance characterization.
• Experience with hermetic packaging: Kovar housings, glass-to-metal seals, TEC integration, and optical adhesives.
• Knowledge of qualification standards: MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-883, Telcordia GR-468, or ECSS.