Telescope Opto-mechanical Engineer

Mission Context

LV8D Solutions supports national security space and intelligence customers delivering next-generation sensing and exploitation capabilities. The Spacecraft Operations and Systems Integration Engineer supports the operational readiness, integration, sustainment, and performance of space-based systems throughout their lifecycle. This position serves as a critical interface between spacecraft operations teams, system developers, and factory engineering organizations to ensure capabilities are successfully integrated into operations and mission objectives are achieved.

Position Overview

LV8D Solutions is looking for a Telescope Opto-mechanical Engineer with Space Domain Operations experience to support a very dynamic and innovative space program office in Chantilly, VA.  The Telescope Opto-mechanical Engineer provides technical expertise and systems engineering support for the development, integration, and sustainment of advanced space-based optical payloads and telescope systems. This position serves as a key interface between government stakeholders and industry partners, facilitating collaboration across multiple vendors to improve interoperability, reduce program risk, and maximize future mission flexibility.

The successful candidate will support the maturation of advanced telescope technologies, manage cross-vendor interface coordination efforts, and contribute to the development of common engineering approaches that enhance interchangeability across future spacecraft builds. The role requires strong technical knowledge of optical and opto-mechanical systems, systems integration principles, and the ability to work effectively across government, contractor, and industry organizations

Key Responsibilities:

• Facilitate the transfer of knowledge related to advanced telescope technologies, optical systems, and opto-mechanical architectures between government organizations and industry partners.
• Serve as a technical liaison between government stakeholders and telescope vendors to ensure effective communication, collaboration, and alignment of engineering objectives.
• Manage and coordinate telescope interface requirements across multiple industry vendors to maximize component and subsystem interchangeability for future spacecraft developments.
• Evaluate and adjudicate interface recommendations, technical trades, and design feedback from industry partners to reduce non-recurring engineering (NRE) costs and improve future integration efficiency.
• Support the development, maintenance, and configuration management of telescope interface definitions, technical standards, and engineering baselines.
• Participate in opto-mechanical design reviews, technical interchange meetings, and engineering assessments throughout the system lifecycle.
• Support integration planning activities for telescope assemblies, optical payloads, and spacecraft interfaces.
• Collaborate with government and industry teams to identify opportunities for common architectures, modular designs, and standardized interfaces that improve mission flexibility and acquisition efficiency.
• Contribute to technology maturation efforts by assessing emerging optical technologies, evaluating readiness levels, and identifying transition opportunities into future programs.
• Coordinate technical activities among multiple vendors, government organizations, and engineering teams to support schedule, performance, and mission objectives.
• Support risk assessments, trade studies, and engineering analyses associated with telescope integration and performance.
• Develop technical documentation, interface control products, engineering recommendations, and executive-level briefings to support program decision-making.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline.
• 9+ years of experience supporting optical systems, telescope development, spacecraft payloads, opto-mechanical engineering, systems engineering, or aerospace programs.
• Experience working with optical payloads, telescope systems, precision mechanical systems, or space-based imaging technologies.
• Knowledge of systems engineering principles, interface management processes, and integration activities.
• Experience supporting technical reviews, design assessments, and engineering coordination across multiple organizations.
• Ability to evaluate technical tradeoffs and develop recommendations that balance performance, risk, schedule, and cost considerations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience presenting technical information to government and industry stakeholders.
• Ability to build collaborative relationships across diverse engineering teams and organizations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with optical payload integration, telescope manufacturing processes, precision alignment techniques, and environmental testing.
• Experience with Interface Control Documents (ICDs), requirements management, and configuration control processes.
• Knowledge of optical performance modeling, structural analysis, thermal analysis, or optical system design principles.
• Experience supporting vendor management, technical interchange meetings, and government-industry partnerships.
• Familiarity with technology readiness assessments, acquisition planning, and transition of emerging technologies into operational programs.
• Experience supporting multi-vendor development environments and complex spacecraft integration efforts.

Security Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship
• Active Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance
• Active Counterintelligence (CI) or Full Scope (FS) Polygraph

Work Environment

• On-site work in a government or contractor facility 
• Occasional travel (up to 10%) 

About LV8D Solutions

LV8D Solutions is an elite Systems Engineering and Technical Advisory (SETA) company that delivers advanced systems engineering, integration, acquisition, mission operations, network communications, and cybersecurity support to our defense and intelligence customers. Founded in 2019, we apply our deep technical expertise, understanding, and mission-first mindset to design, acquire, and implement complex, high-impact solutions for our Intelligence Community (IC) and Department of War (DoW) customers. We specialize in every aspect of our customers’ space and ground mission systems while offering exceptional work-life balance and an exemplary compensation and total rewards package designed to recruit, train, and retain top talent and committed to national defense and career growth.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

LV8D Solutions LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, religion, gender, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other protected categories.

Performance & Recognition

Period of Performance (PoP) Bonus OpportunitiesPerformance-based bonus opportunities tied to contract or organizational performance.

Retention Incentive Benefit BountyReceive a payout for unused annual company contributions designated for health insurance premiums and professional training.

Referral BonusEarn up to $5,000 for each successful employee referral.

Customer Recognition Letter of Appreciation (LoA) Bonus OpportunitiesBonus opportunities based on customer recognition received through Letters of Appreciation.

Milestone RewardsCelebrate your career achievements with anniversary awards on your 1st, 5th, 10th, and 20th years of service.

Financial & Retirement Benefits

Profit SharingReceive an annual contribution equal to 4% of your W-2 gross earnings into your 401 (k), with immediate vesting.

401(k) Company MatchThe company matches your 401 (k) contributions dollar-for-dollar up to 6% of your monthly contribution, with immediate vesting.

Career Development

The company invests in your professional growth through:

• Annual financial support for professional training and industry certifications.
• Enhanced financial support for employees actively pursuing a degree at an accredited institution.

Work-Life Balance

Support for a healthy work-life balance includes:

• Flexible work hours
• Competitive paid time off (PTO)
• Company holidays

Health & Wellness Benefits

The company offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you and your family.

Medical Coverage

Three comprehensive Medical/Rx insurance plan options to meet the unique and individualized benefit needs of our employees

Dental & Vision

• Comprehensive dental insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
• Comprehensive vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents.

Income Protection

• 100% Company-Paid Short-Term Disability Insurance
• 100% Company-Paid Long-Term Disability Insurance

Life Insurance

• 100% Company-Paid Basic Term Life Insurance with Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) coverage.
• Optional employee-paid Supplemental Voluntary Life Insurance.