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.

Why Join Us

Do you want to be part of a company culture that empowers employees to think big, lead with a growth mindset, and make the impossible a reality? We provide the resources and give you the flexibility to enable inspiration and focus. If you have the passion and courage to dream big, work hard, and have fun doing what you love then we want to build a better tomorrow with you.

We offer flexible work schedules to comprehensive benefits investing in your future and security. Learn more about Lockheed Martin’s comprehensive benefits package here.

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.