Optomechanical Engineer

Simera Sense is a leading provider of Earth observation camera solutions for the global small satellite market. Committed to excellence and innovation, we deliver superior products and services to our worldwide customer base. Our Holdings Company is in Belgium, and our South African company is based in Somerset West.

Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of optical and mechanical engineering? Simera Sense, a global leader in high-performance optical payloads for small satellites, is looking for a talented Optomechanical Engineer to join our dynamic team in Somerset West. In this role, you'll be at the forefront of designing and developing cutting-edge optomechanical systems that power the next generation of space-based imaging solutions. If you're ready to make an impact in the aerospace industry and work alongside some of the brightest minds in the field, we want to hear from you.

Job Purpose :

Lead the design, integration, and validation of high-precision optomechanical systems, ensuring the successful development and deployment of advanced optical instruments for space missions.

Responsibilities :

• Work closely with engineers, technicians, and other stakeholders
• Provide technical support and guidance to team members
• Communicate effectively to resolve issues and ensure project success
• Lead the detailed design and development of high-precision optomechanical systems
• Create 3D CAD models of optomechanical systems, mechanical components, and optical elements
• Review and refine high-tolerance optomechanical drawings
• Design and improve assembly and integration processes for optomechanical systems
• Integrate optical and mechanical components to ensure proper alignment and functionality
• Maintain the integrity of optical systems in a cleanroom environment
• Develop and execute test plans for optomechanical systems
• Perform environmental testing, including thermal, vibration, and shock tests
• Analyse test data to validate system performance and make necessary adjustments
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to ensure project milestones are met
• Manage timelines and resources for optomechanical activities
• Prepare and present project status reports
• Implement quality control procedures to ensure compliance with industry standards
• Conduct inspections and audits of optomechanical systems
• Address and resolve any non-conformances
• Maintain detailed records of assembly, integration, and testing activities
• Prepare technical documentation, including design documentation, work instructions, build history documentation, test reports, and customer documentation
• Ensure all documentation is up-to-date and accessible
• Stay updated with the latest advancements in optomechanical engineering and space industry standards
• Participation in industry conferences, workshops, and training sessions
• Seek feedback from senior engineers and actively work on areas of improvement

Required Qualification :

Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optomechanical Engineering or related

Required Experience:

• 2 - 5 years of experience in mechanical or optomechanical engineering roles, preferably in the space industry
• Experience performing Assembly, Integration, and Testing (AIT) of optical payloads or other high-precision optical instrumentation
• Extensive experience in the detailed design and development of high-precision optomechanical systems
• Proficiency in creating 3D CAD models and high-tolerance optomechanical drawings
• Experience designing and improving assembly and integration processes for optomechanical systems
• Ability to integrate optical and mechanical components, ensuring proper alignment and functionality
• Experience developing and executing test plans, including environmental testing (thermal, vibration, shock)
• Ability to analyse test data to validate system performance and make necessary adjustments
• Knowledge of quality control procedures and industry standards
• Experience conducting inspections and audits to ensure compliance
• Experience coordinating with cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones
• Ability to manage timelines and resources for optomechanical AIT activities
• Proficiency in maintaining detailed records of assembly, integration, and testing activities
• Experience preparing technical documentation, including design documentation, work instructions, build history documentation, and test reports

Recommendations:

• Master's Degree in a related field
• Experience with Siemens Teamcenter and NX software
• Proficiency in other advanced CAD tools for detailed design and modelling
• Strong understanding of FEA principles and ability to interpret results for design improvement
• Experience with FEA software for analysing mechanical stress, thermal effects, and vibrations
• Knowledge and experience working in a cleanroom environment
• Familiarity with cleanroom protocols and procedures
• Experience in system engineering, including requirements generation, design integration, and testing
• Ability to manage complex projects and coordinate with cross-functional teams
• Experience in change management processes to handle design modifications and updates
• Ability to implement and manage changes effectively within project timelines
• Experience mentoring junior engineers and coordinating team activities to meet deadlines
• Familiarity with the latest advancements in optomechanical engineering and space industry standards

What we offer :

• The opportunity to work in the fast-growing space industry
• Niche global market for optical payloads for microsatellites
• Cutting-edge technology at your fingertips
• A competitive salary
• A friendly working environment.