Field of studyAerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering (or related)
Study levelBachelor's
Preferred qualifications
Study levelMaster's
Original posting
Space is a warfighting domain. True Anomaly seeks those with the talent and ambition to build the technology that secures it.
OUR MISSION
True Anomaly delivers decisive capabilities for space superiority. We build autonomous spacecraft, advanced payloads, mission software, and space-based interceptors — enabling the U.S. and its Allies to secure the space environment and counter threats from the ultimate high ground.
OUR VALUES
Be the offset. We create asymmetric advantages with creativity and ingenuity.
What would it take? We challenge assumptions to deliver ambitious results.
It’s the people. Our team is our competitive advantage and we are better together.
BENEFITS & PERKS*
Best-in-class healthcare: 100% company-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents, with HSA/HRA options
Generous time off: Flexible Time Off (FTO) for exempt employees, accrued PTO of up to 25 days for non-exempt employees, plus 12 paid holidays; Parental Leave; Sick Leave
Fuel for your day: Daily catered lunch and unlimited snacks for in-office employees
And more: 401(k) retirement plan, fitness reimbursement, and Dog Fridays
Equity participation: Equity is included as part of our total compensation package, giving you an opportunity to share in the company’s success.
*Do not apply to fixed term and temporary roles
YOUR MISSION
True Anomaly is seeking an exceptional Staff Optomechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design and integration of high-performance infrared optical systems for our spacecraft payloads. You will serve as a senior technical authority for optomechanical architecture across our EO and IR payload programs — developing designs that survive demanding thermal and dynamic environments while maintaining stringent optical performance requirements. Working closely with optical, thermal, electrical, and systems engineering teams from concept through qualification and production, you will define the standards and approaches the broader Payloads team builds upon. You bring deep expertise in athermalized optomechanical design, IR optical system integration, and structural-thermal-optical performance analysis, and the technical range to drive program-level outcomes across multiple concurrent payload development efforts.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Lead the design and development of optomechanical assemblies for infrared telescope and sensor systems, including flexure and kinematic mounts, lens and mirror housings, and structural interfaces
Develop athermalized optical designs to maintain alignment and performance across operational temperature ranges, applying material selection, bimetallic compensation, and CTE-matched adhesive bonding strategies
Design and integrate active and passive cooling solutions for optical components, detectors, and windows, including cryocoolers, conductive and radiative cooling approaches
Perform structural, thermal, and thermo-elastic analyses to predict optical performance under environmental loads including vibration, shock, and thermal gradients
Collaborate with optical designers to translate lens prescriptions into manufacturable designs, supporting line-of-sight error budgeting and end-to-end tolerance stack-up analysis
Support and lead optical alignment and metrology activities for optical assemblies, including interferometric, autocollimation, and CMM-based alignment techniques
Evaluate and implement vibration isolation solutions to protect sensitive optical assemblies from launch and operational disturbance environments
Define and maintain optomechanical design standards and best practices across the Payloads team, codifying reusable approaches that elevate the organization's collective capability
Generate detailed CAD models, drawings, and specifications for procurement and fabrication; work with suppliers to source optical components, coatings, and specialized hardware
Document design decisions, trade studies, and analysis results, and present findings at design reviews (PDR/CDR) and program milestones
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred)
8+ years of professional experience in optomechanical design, with direct experience on infrared optical or sensor systems
Demonstrated expertise in flexure and kinematic mount design and athermalized optomechanical design techniques
Experience with structural and thermal analysis tools (ANSYS, NX Nastran, Thermal Desktop, or similar)
Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or similar) and strong GD&T and tolerance stack-up skills
Familiarity with optical alignment and metrology techniques and optical component specifications and fabrication processes
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Demonstrated ability to perform Structural-Thermal-Optical Performance (STOP) analysis and apply results to drive design decisions
Skilled in line-of-sight error budgeting for precision pointing and tracking applications
Proficient in CTE-matched adhesive bonding and potting techniques for optical mount applications
Able to design and characterize vibration isolation systems for sensitive optical assemblies
Capable of designing complete optical trains including telescopes, relay optics, and IR lens systems from first principles
Practiced in stray light analysis and mitigation including baffle design and ghost analysis
Proficient with optical modeling software (Zemax/OpticStudio, CODE V, FRED, ASAP, or similar)
Familiar with IR-transmissive materials (sapphire, germanium, ZnSe, etc.) and their thermal and mechanical properties
Versed in vacuum-compatible design practices including outgassing and contamination control
Prior background in missile defense, space systems, or other high-reliability aerospace programs
Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, startup environment or a similarly dynamic setting
COMPENSATION
Base Salary: $185,000 - $285,000
Equity + Benefits including Health, Dental, Vision, HRA/HSA options, PTO and paid holidays, 401K, Parental Leave
Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job-related knowledge and skills, education, location, and experience.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Work Location—Successful candidates will be located near Denver or Long Beach.
Work environment—the work environment; temperature, noise level, inside or outside, or other factors that will affect the person's working conditions while performing the job.
Physical demands—the physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.
This position will be open until it is successfully filled. To submit your application, please follow the directions below. #LI-Onsite
To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
True Anomaly is committed to equal employment opportunity on any basis protected by applicable state and federal laws. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us know.
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