We have an opening for a Postdoctoral Researcher in precision optomechanical engineering for space applications. You will contribute to cutting edge research focused on developing the next generation of large aperture space telescopes and optical payloads, with an emphasis on precision mechanisms, optomechanical design, and integration of optical systems into spacecraft. This position is in the Advanced Space Development group in the National Security Engineering Division, within the Engineering Directorate.
This position requires full-time on site presence due to the nature of the work.
You will:
- Conduct research in precision engineering, including the design and analysis of high stability mechanisms, mounts, and structures for space telescopes and optical payloads.
- Perform optomechanical design of telescope subsystems, including mirrors, lenses, mounts, alignment features, and supporting structures, with attention to thermos-mechanical stability, vibration, and launch survivability.
- Develop and run analytical and numerical models to predict system performance under mechanical, thermal, and dynamic loads.
- Apply precision engineering principles to ensure alignment, pointing, and wavefront stability of optical systems in the space environment.
- Design and analyze mechanisms for deployment, focusing, alignment, and actuation of optical elements, including mechanisms for large aperture systems.
- Use optical design and analysis tools (for example, Zemax , FRED or equivalent) to validate optical performance and to couple mechanical and optical models for end to end system performance evaluation.
- Contribute to the conception, design, and execution of laboratory experiments to validate optomechanical designs, including alignment procedures, environmental testing, and performance verification.
- Communicate and collaborate with engineers, scientists, and physicists working on space telescopes, optical payloads, and spacecraft integration.
- Support proposal development for the Space Hardware group, including defining technical approaches, schedules, and risk mitigation strategies for precision optical and mechanical systems.
- Design research plans, generate and analyze results, and publish findings in peer reviewed journals or conference proceedings.
- Travel as needed to coordinate with research collaborators and visit field or test sites.
- Perform other duties as assigned.