Lead Mechanical Engineer (Analyst)

The Lead Mechanical Engineering (Analyst) is responsible for directing and executing structural, thermal, and opto-mechanical analyses in support of the development of high-performance opto-mechanical systems, such as telescopes, beam directors, and related instruments and subsystems.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

This role spans the development of precision structures, mechanisms, and optical support assemblies for platforms ranging from terrestrial to spaceborne. The analyst performs detailed stress, thermal, and dynamic assessments using both closed-form methods as well as advanced finite element techniques, and leads the characterization of optical performance in demanding thermal and vibrational environments. Responsibilities include ensuring system survivability, alignment, and optical performance under operational and survival loads, preparing comprehensive analysis reports, developing structural test requirements, and supporting environmental testing campaigns—including dynamic and thermal verification—to validate analytical predictions and confirm compliance with system requirements.

• Perform and lead detailed structural, thermal, and dynamic analyses of opto-mechanical systems
• Develop and validate finite element models for stress, steady state and transient thermal, modal, random vibration, and shock analyses (Femap with NX / Nastran and / or SimCenter 3D preferred)
• Use closed-form methods to provide quick-turn assessments and to validate FEA results
• Characterize operational and survival loads (thermal cycles, random / sine, shock, launch, wind, seismic), predict system response, assess structural integrity and stability
• Conduct STOP analysis to characterize optical performance (., wavefront error, line-of-sight jitter, alignment stability); experience with preparing results for processing with optical analysis software such as Code V or Zemax using Sigfit or Matlab preferred.
• Prepare and deliver analysis reports and design review documentation (PDR, CDR)
• Develop structural and thermal test requirements to validate analytical predictions
• Support environmental testing campaigns (vibration, shock, thermal, thermal-vacuum) including test planning, data correlation, and anomaly resolution
• Contribute to risk assessments and design trades, recommending design modifications based on analysis outcomes
• Collaborate closely with design engineers, optical engineers, systems engineers, and test teams to ensure requirements compliance
• Mentor less experienced engineers in analysis tools, methods, and best practices

Education & Experience

Skills

Working Conditions

Physical Requirements

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and / or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp. :

I ntegrity – Create an Environment of Trust

C ollaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

A ccountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

R espect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

E nthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work

Coherent Corp. 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.

To conform to . Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant must be a . citizen, lawful permanent resident of the ., protected individual as defined by 8. . 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the . Department of State."