Instrument Development Engineer (Optomechanical)

TL;DR

Instrument Development Engineer (Optomechanical): Designing and producing infrared remote sensing instruments for LEO satellite constellations with an accent on optomechanical subsystems, STOP analysis, and system integration. Focus on bridging the gap between individual components and system-level hardware through the full development lifecycle.

Location: Mountain View, CA. Must be a U.S. person (citizen, green card holder, refugee, or asylee) or eligible for export authorization.

Salary: $159,000 - $223,000

Company

hirify.global is an end-to-end Space Systems Provider designing, building, and operating LEO satellite constellations to deliver mission-critical Earth Intelligence.

What you will do

• Lead optomechanical design efforts from concept development and trade studies to preliminary sizing.
• Perform subsystem and system-level analyses, including STOP analysis, tolerance stackups, and alignment planning.
• Drive DFM/DFA efforts to ensure continuous improvement and enable volume production.
• Plan and implement optical instrument assembly, integration, and test (AI&T) in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
• Execute subsystem and instrument-level testing, including vibration and thermal-vacuum (TVAC) tests.
• Collaborate with systems engineers, production teams, and external partners to drive development.

Requirements

• B.S, M.S., or Ph.D. in an engineering field or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience designing optomechanical hardware.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks for component and assembly design.
• Experience with STOP analysis tools such as FEA, Sigfit, and Zemax.
• Experience with spacecraft, infrared remote sensing instruments, and precision metrology equipment.
• Must be a U.S. person or eligible to access export-controlled information.

Nice to have

• Experience with requirements development, error budgets, and V&V planning.
• Root cause analysis skills using data analysis and testing.
• Basic scripting skills in Python or C/C++ for data analysis or automation.
• Experience working in cleanroom environments.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401k retirement plan, short/long term disability, and life insurance.
• Three weeks of paid vacation and 12 paid holidays.
• Unlimited sick time and paid parental leave.
• Equity compensation grants for full-time employees.