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.
Associate Manager, Opto-Mechanical Engineer Lockheed Martin Corporation - 4.0 Louisville, CO Job Details Full-time $109,200 - $192,510 a year 1 day ago Benefits Paid jury duty Paid holidays Disability insurance Health insurance Dental insurance 401(k) Flexible spending account Paid time off Flextime Parental leave Employee assistance program Vision insurance 401(k) matching Flexible schedule Life insurance Qualifications Product design project leadership 3D modeling software Optics 3D modeling for product design Managing engineering teams Design engineering Leading team collaboration initiatives Engineering product development 3D modeling General management
Full Job Description JOB ID:
734125BR Date posted: Jul. 16, 2026
Description:
Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security, and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more — we can innovate, invest, inspire, and integrate our capabilities to transform the future. At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We're creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security® vision. We're erasing boundaries and forming partnerships across industries and around the world. We're advancing spacecraft and the workforce to fuel the next generation. And we're reimagining how space can connect us, ensuring security and prosperity. Join us in shaping a new era in space and find a career that's built for you. The Optical Talent Center within Lockheed Martin Space is seeking a Associate Manager, Opto-mechanical engineer to lead a team of 5 to 10 engineers in the design and development of cutting‑edge optical payloads.
What You'll Do Lead & Mentor:
Direct a team of Opto-Mechanical engineers, fostering collaboration across mechanical, optical, electrical, and systems domains.
Design Innovation:
Own the mechanical architecture for a broad portfolio of passive, active, and directed‑energy optical payloads, addressing unique structural, thermal, and vibration challenges.
Analysis & Validation:
Perform high‑precision mechanical analyses and validate designs through modeling, prototyping, and testing. Cross‑
Functional Integration:
Work closely with optical engineers, payload managers, and program stakeholders to translate system requirements into robust mechanical solutions.
What You Bring Technical Expertise:
Proven track record in opto‑mechanical design for high‑performance optical systems (telescopes, laser weapons, imaging sensors).
Quantitative Rigor:
Strong analytical skills with proficiency in GD&T, tolerance analysis, and precision‑assembly techniques.
Leadership Ability:
Experience leading engineering teams, driving consensus, and mentoring junior staff.
Effective Communicator:
Exceptional written and oral communication skills; comfortable preparing and delivering clear technical briefings, design reviews, and status reports to technical and non‑technical audiences, ranging from senior leadership to external partners. Problem‑
Solver Mindset:
Ability to tackle "form‑fits‑ function" challenges in precision payload subsystems under demanding performance and schedule constraints. Why Join Us? Work on high‑impact space programs that push the boundaries of optical technology. Collaborative environment that values innovation, diversity of thought, and continuous learning.
Basic Qualifications:
Experience in optical and/or mechanical design using a variety of materials Exposure to product design of opto-mechanical hardware at multiple levels of maturity Experience with the full program life cycle Working knowledge of 3D design tools, similar to Creo or Solidworks Proven technical and leadership abilities, with experience leading technical teams US Citizenship with the ability to obtain a Top Secret clearance
Desired Skills:
10+ years of demonstrated technical expertise (8+ years with a Master's degree, or above) 2+ years demonstrated hands-on expertise in space OR complex hardware/software systems Excellent communications skills both verbal and written with the proven ability to communicate Team leadership experience Functional experience with multidisciplinary engineering teams Design and fabrication of highly engineered (high TRL) systems Strong mentoring skills and experience Demonstrated ability to drive closure and resolve complex technical issues/challenges Variety of customer experience and exposure across business areas (military, intelligence, science and weather instrumentation, etc.) Active Top Secret clearance and or
SCI Security Clearance Statement:
This position requires a government security clearance, you must be a US Citizen for consideration.
Clearance Level:
Top Secret Other Important Information You Should Know Expression of Interest:
By applying to this job, you are expressing interest in this position and could be considered for other career opportunities where similar skills and requirements have been identified as a match. Should this match be identified you may be contacted for this and future openings. Ability to
Work Remotely:
Onsite Full-time:
The work associated with this position will be performed onsite at a designated Lockheed Martin facility.
Work Schedules:
Lockheed Martin supports a variety of alternate work schedules that provide additional flexibility to our employees. Schedules range from standard 40 hours over a five day work week while others may be condensed. These condensed schedules provide employees with additional time away from the office and are in addition to our Paid Time off benefits. Schedule for this
Position:
9x80 every other Friday off
Pay Rate:
The annual base salary range for this position in California, Massachusetts, and New York (excluding most major metropolitan areas), Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, Vermont, Washington or Washington DC is $109,200 - $192,510. For states not referenced above, the salary range for this position will reflect the candidate's final work location. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Lockheed Martin considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/ training, key skills as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.
Benefits offered:
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, 401(k) match, Flexible Spending Accounts, EAP, Education Assistance, Parental Leave, Paid time off, and Holidays. (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. Represented full time employees accrue 6.67 hours of Vacation per month; accrue up to 52 hours of sick leave annually; receive at least 96 hours for holidays. PTO, Vacation, sick leave, and holiday hours are prorated based on start date during the calendar year. This position is incentive plan eligible. Lockheed Martin is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered without regard to legally protected characteristics. The application window will close in 90 days; applicants are encouraged to apply within 5 - 30 days of the requisition posting date in order to receive optimal consideration. Join us at Lockheed Martin, where your mission is ours. Our customers tackle the hardest missions. Those that demand extraordinary amounts of courage, resilience and precision. They're dangerous. Critical. Sometimes they even provide an opportunity to change the world and save lives. Those are the missions we care about. As a leading technology innovation company, Lockheed Martin's vast team works with partners around the world to bring proven performance to our customers' toughest challenges. Lockheed Martin has employees based in many states throughout the U.S., and Internationally, with business locations in many nations and territories.
Experience Level:
Experienced Professional Business Unit:
SPACE Relocation Available:
Possible Career Area:
Management Type:
Full-Time Shift:
First At Lockheed Martin, we apply our passion for purposeful innovation to keep people safe and solve the world's most complex challenges.
Pioneering Defense Technology:
From aerospace to outer space to cyber space, you can innovate mission solutions alongside the best minds in the business.
United By Culture:
Excellence, integrity, and collaboration define us. We accelerate change and embrace one another's perspectives to win for our customers.
Real Impact, Real Growth:
Grow your career and skills for life. Our wide array of opportunities and technology-driven learning programs enable your development and agility.
Your Health, Your Wealth, Your Life:
Competitive pay, comprehensive benefits and flexible schedules designed so you thrive — at work and beyond. Empowered to
Be Your Best:
Use your strengths to make a difference in the lives of one another, our customers, our communities, and our planet. Here, the possibilities are endless because we offer: Flexible Schedules, dependent on role
