Principal Mechanical Engineer (Aerospace & Defense)

Become Our Next Mechanical Design Innovator - Shaping the Future of Advanced Laser Technology for Defense

Are you ready to design and develop cutting-edge technology that shapes the future of defense systems? Coherent Aerospace & Defense – Emerging Products & Technology is seeking a talented Mechanical Engineer to join our elite team of engineers, working on groundbreaking laser systems for aerospace and defense. If you're passionate about pushing the boundaries of technology and delivering exceptional solutions, we want to hear from you!

Primary Duties & Responsibilities 

• Drive Mechanical Design: Collaborate with a world-class team of systems, optical, electrical, software, and FPGA engineers to develop customized laser systems. Execute design tasks throughout the product lifecycle, including concept development, preliminary design, detailed design, and support for qualification and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate on Customer Solutions: You will work collaboratively within cross-functional teams to understand and implement customer design requirements, ensuring our mechanical designs meet stringent specifications and performance standards. You will also contribute to the technical interactions with customers on key programs.
• Tackle Technical Challenges: You will play a vital role in identifying and resolving technical issues that may arise during the development, manufacturing, and testing of prototype and deliverable products. This includes participating in root cause analysis and contributing to the development of effective solutions.
• Contribute to Innovation: You will contribute your expertise to new business development efforts by providing technical input for proposals and supporting cost and schedule estimations. Your insights will help shape future opportunities.
• Apply Your Deep Expertise: Leverage your strong knowledge and experience in mechanical design to contribute to complex engineering assignments. You will be expected to work with increasing independence, applying established principles and contributing to the implementation of new products and processes.

Education & Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with 9+ years of relevant experience; or Master’s degree with 7+ years' experience; or Ph.D. with 4+ years' experience

Desired applicable experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Laser systems and opto-mechanical design experience, or relevant area of photonics/fiber optics/bulk optics in an industrial R&D environment
• Design for space/vacuum environments
• SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS, or similar FEA software
• Design and analysis of materials such as ceramics, specialty metals (Invar), carbon fiber composites, and optical coatings
• Understanding of attachment methods for opto-mechanical systems; preparation and use of primers, epoxies, RTV, and elastomers
• Manufacturing, production, and sustainment of opto-mechanical systems and hardware
• Design for manufacturing (DFM) principles
• Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T Y14.5)
• Vibration isolation, dynamics, kinematics, laser beam delivery, motion analysis, and laser applications

Skills & Other Requirements

Necessary applicable experience/skills in the following areas:

• Design, development, and basic analysis of electromechanical hardware and systems for military/avionics/space applications
• Product/factory support of DoD military electronics/avionics equipment
• Proficient with mechanical engineering design and development tools (SolidWorks and SolidWorks PDM preferred)
• Mechanical design/packaging of multilayer circuit card assemblies
• Product prototype & test
• Knowledge of engineering development processes
• Solid understanding of design for assembly and integration in complex opto-mechanical devices including tolerance stack analysis
• Comfortable with “hands-on” laboratory work and use of instrumentation, equipment, processes, and hand tools
• Experience in preparing and maintaining drawings, procedures, work instructions, and Bill of Materials in an environment of complete document and configuration control
• Familiarity with MIL specs & standards, industry standards including ASTM, SAE, DOD, NASA
• Preparation and presentation of customer review presentations
• Must be able to obtain/maintain a US Government security clearance if one is required to perform the job responsibilities.

Working Conditions

Primarily an engineering design function with office and laboratory working conditions.

Physical Requirements

Primarily an engineering design function with few 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.:

Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm – 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 U.S. Government export regulations (ITAR), applicant 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.