Lead Mechanical Engineer at Coherent Aerospace & Defense Inc – Longmont, Colorado

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

Job Summary:

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. This 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 assembliesPerform and/or oversee FEA for gravity sag, thermal distortion, thermal management, wind loading, and dynamic responseParticipate in the characterization of system and component-level optical performanceDevelop mirror support mounts, metering structures, and precision, multi-degree of freedom positioning actuators for alignment maintenanceCoordinate across disciplines (optical, controls, electrical, systems) to ensure functional and performance requirement complianceManage CAD modeling, detailed drawing generation, and tolerance budgetingIntegrate mechanical designs with subsystems such as drives, bearings, enclosures, and thermal management systemsDefine technical requirements, support procurement, and oversee vendor fabrication/testingLead risk reduction activities such as breadboards, subscale prototypes, and structural testsSupport assembly, integration, and test with tooling design and review of work instructionsManage as-built documentation through a formal configuration management process, including troubleshooting and dispositioning non-conforming materialPresent design status, risk assessments, and compliance evidence at major reviews (PDR, CDR)Contribute to proposals, cost and schedule estimating, and program planningMentor junior engineers and provide technical guidance to the mechanical design team

Education & Experience:

Typically requires a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. An understanding of precision mechanism design and/or opto-mechanical design principles, as well as hands-on hardware assembly, integration, and testing are essential.Minimum 7 years of related experience in a professional role with a bachelor’s degree in Optical Sciences or related discipline; or minimum of 5 years of experience with a master’s degree, or 3 years of experience with a doctorate in a relevant field.

Skills:

Strong foundation in structural/mechanical engineering, with emphasis on precision opto-mechanical systems for operation in harsh or challenging environmentsExpertise in CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and/or advanced FEA (NX Nastran or SimCenter are preferred)Experience with thermal, structural, and dynamic analysis of opto-mechanical systemsFamiliarity with opto-mechanical interfaces and tolerancing (GD&T) for precision optical systemsKnowledge of materials selection (steel, aluminum, composites, ceramics) and processing for large precision structuresExperience designing optical mounts (for reflective or refractive systems) for operation in harsh environments is preferredExperience integrating, aligning and testing of optical systems is a plusExcellent interpersonal and communication skills; demonstrated ability to achieve results independently or working on a team; strong organizational skills and attention to details requiredExperience with Configuration Management of engineering (as-designed) documentationExperience with vendor engagement, fabrication processes, and large component manufacturingSolid understanding of design for assembly and integration in complex opto-mechanical devices including alignment planningGood analytical and problem-solving skills; familiar with analytical tools used for problem solving and process developmentStrong problem-solving, risk assessment, and trade-study skillsExcellent communication skills for technical reviews, documentation, and cross-discipline coordinationLeadership ability to direct design teams and mentor less experienced engineers
For Colorado, the salary pay range for this role is $88,600.00 - $151,600.00

Please note this range is provided as a general guideline. When determining an offer, Attalon takes into account multiple factors, including (but not limited to) the responsibilities of the position, your professional experience, education and training, specialized skills, and current market and business conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is 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 Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.