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LM
Lockheed Martin
Opto-Mechanical Engineer Sr Stf - E5
Career Insights for Optical / Laser Engineer
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Based on California data
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What they do
An Optical or Laser Engineer researches and develops technology that uses the science of light (optics). Optical technology includes fiber optic cables, which enable high-speed internet connections across long distances, and lasers, which can be used to make very small incisions and measurements. Works closely with scientists and engineers from other fields on advances in technology.
$143,629 / year median in California
-3% projected decline
Job Description
## Standard Job Description You will be the Opto-Mechanical Engineer for the Hardware Engineering team at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control (MFC). Our team delivers precision engagement aerospace and defense systems, designing, building and fielding the electrical hardware that powers missiles, sensors and other mission critical subsystems for the United States and allied militaries. What You Will Be Doing As the Opto-Mechanical Engineer you will partner with Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) to create conceptual and detailed opto‑mechanical designs for infrared detectors, cryogenic coolers, and large‑format focal‑plane assemblies. You will generate CREO models, SolidWorks drawings, and complete design documentation, then manage part numbers, BOMs, and releases in Windchill PLM. You will coordinate closely with suppliers, GSC, electronics, optics, and structural/thermal analysts to ensure design excellence, manufacturability, and cost‑effective production. You will also forecast market needs, support proposals and white‑papers, and mentor junior engineers.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Developing and evolving mechanical architectures for infrared detector and cryogenic cooling systems.
- Producing CREO/SolidWorks models, detailed drawings, and comprehensive design documentation.
- Building and maintaining BOMs, part libraries, and change‑control processes in Windchill PLM.
- Leading design trade studies that balance cost, weight, optical performance, and structural/thermal requirements.
- Managing drawing releases, presenting at change boards, and supporting formal design reviews.
- Collaborating with suppliers and in‑house process engineers to assure high‑yield, low‑cost manufacturing.
- Partnering with chief technologists to define long‑term product‑line growth and market road‑maps.
- Contributing to proposals, white‑papers, and basis‑of‑estimate (BOE) development.
- Performing thermal, structural, and vibration trade studies; recommending design changes to meet power and survivability goals.
- Executing high‑impact assignments across geographically dispersed sites, establishing virtual collaboration frameworks, and traveling for critical milestones.
- Participating in root‑cause, corrective action (RCCA) investigations and failure review boards.
- Coaching junior mechanical engineers, organizing lunch‑and‑learn sessions, and delivering technical training.
Further Information About This Opportunity:
This position is in Santa Barbara, CA.MUST BE A U.S. CITIZEN
- This position is located at a facility that requires special access. The selected candidate must be able to obtain a secret clearance. ##Basic Qualifications Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college in a related discipline or equivalent experience/combined education.
- Minimum of 3+ years of professional engineering experience in mechanical design.
- Minimum of 4+ years of literacy and experience with an industry-standard mechanical design (i.e. CAD) tool.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to obtain a Secret security clearance and therefore must be a U. S. Citizen. ## Desired Skills Desired skills:
- Experience with MFC's CAD hardware design tool of choice, PTC Creo.
- Understanding of infrared and FPA manufacturing technologies.
- Knowledge and experience in cryogenic packaging, cryocooler and cryostat design, manufacturing, and assembly.
- Experience in optical design and stray light analysis and practice.
- Experience with infrared sensors and systems.
- Knowledge and experience in thin-film optical coating and optical component manufacturing.
- Experience in semiconductor manufacturing technology and practice.
- Experience in first-level electronic packaging including die attach and wire bonding.
- Experience with high-speed electrical interconnections.
- Exposure to integrated product team (IPT) environments and systems engineering processes.
- Experience in PTC Windchill PLM and Atlassian Jira.
Pay Information GeoZone Definition:
GeoZones are geographic groupings created by Lockheed Martin to align compensation ranges with regional labor markets and cost-of-labor differences across the United States. Locations are assigned a Geo Zone based on the primary work location of the role.- Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 1): $185400.00 - $344400.00
- Includes metropolitan areas such as Sunnyvale CA; Pal Alto, CA; New York City metropolitan area; Newark, New Jersey; etc.
- Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 2): $166900.00 - $309900.00
- Includes metropolitan areas such as Denver, CO; King of Prussia, PA; Stratford, CT; Moorestown, NJ; etc.
- Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 3): $148300.00 - $275500.00
- Includes metropolitan areas such as Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; Orlando, FL; Grand Prairie, TX; Marietta, GA; etc.
- Full-time salary range (GEOZONE 4): $133500.00 - $247900.00
- Includes metropolitan areas such as Camden, AR; Lexington, KY; Lufkin, TX; etc.
Benefits offered:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Flexible work arrangements and schedules (e.g., 4x10), 401(k) match, Paid time off, Holidays, Parental Leave, EAP, Flexible Spending Accounts, Education Assistance, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability.- Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs may be offered depending on the position. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and can vary from year to year and are tied to a range of performance metrics.
- For (Washington state applicants only) Non-represented full-time employees: accrue at least 10 hours per month of Paid Time Off (PTO) to be used for incidental absences and other reasons; receive at least 90 hours for holidays.
Benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- Sick Leave
- 401(k) Plans
- Professional Development