Mechanical Engineering Lead – Tightbeam

About Aalyria

Aalyria is a leading technology company that supplies laser communications technology and temporospatial software-defined networking platforms to the aerospace industry. With technology acquired from Google, Aalyria is at the forefront of innovation in satellite and airborne mesh networks, as well as cislunar and deep-space communications. We are revolutionizing the orchestration and management of planetary mesh networks using any radio or optical spectrum, any orbit, and any hardware across land, sea, air, and space.

Role Overview

We’re looking for an experienced Mechanical Engineering Lead to join our Tightbeam team. In this role, you will lead the mechanical engineering function, including design, development, and manufacturing, for our free-space optical communication systems. You’ll manage a small, talented team of mechanical engineers and work cross-functionally with optical, electrical, software, and systems teams to deliver high-performance hardware from concept through production.

You’ll own both the detailed mechanical design and the development of scalable manufacturing processes, while also fostering technical excellence and growth within the mechanical team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of complex opto-mechanical systems, ensuring performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Manage and mentor a small team of mechanical engineers, providing technical guidance and career development support.
• Own design reviews, technical roadmapping, and resource planning for mechanical and manufacturing efforts.
• Drive DFM/DFA initiatives to bring designs from prototype to scalable production
• Oversee CAD modeling, tolerance stack-ups, documentation packages, BOMs, and engineering change processes.
• Partner with supply chain and vendors to qualify manufacturers, improve quality, and ensure build consistency.
• Develop assembly fixtures, test setups, and procedures for production.
• Support environmental testing, qualification, and deployment across a range of operating conditions.

Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 8+ years of mechanical design and manufacturing experience, preferably in aerospace, defense, or high-precision systems
• Proven experience managing or mentoring engineers and leading cross-functional projects
• Expertise in CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo), GD&T, tolerance analysis, and mechanical simulation
• Strong understanding of opto-mechanical principles, thermal management, and structural dynamics
• Demonstrated ability to take products from concept to production
• Familiarity with high-precision manufacturing, vendor sourcing, and quality assurance processes
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills

Preferred Qualification

• Experience with optical communication systems, pointing/tracking assemblies, or space-rated hardware
• Knowledge of MIL-STD or environmental qualification testing
• Experience with ERP/MRP and PLM systems
• Active or eligible for a U.S. Government security clearance

What We Offer

• Innovative Environment: Be part of a forward-thinking startup that is shaping the future of satellite communications.
• Impactful Work: Work on cutting-edge technology that has a global impact and drives real-world change.
• Growth Opportunities: Take advantage of career growth opportunities and professional development in a fast paced, high-energy environment.
• Culture: Join a collaborative and inclusive team where your contributions are valued.
• Flexibility: Collaborate, work, and get things done with flexible working hours and remote work options.
• Compensation & Equity: The base salary range for this full-time U.S. position is $170,000–$215,000, plus bonus, equity, and benefits. Salary ranges are determined based on the role, level, and location. Within this range, individual compensation is influenced by factors such as work location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. During the hiring process, your recruiter can provide details on the specific salary range for your preferred location.

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position involves access to export-controlled information. To comply with U.S. government export regulations, applicants must meet one of the following criteria:

• Qualify as a U.S. person, which includes:
• U.S. citizen or national
• U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
• Refugee under 8 U.S.C. 1157
• Asylee under 8 U.S.C. 1158
• Be eligible to access export-controlled information without requiring an export authorization.
• Be eligible and reasonably likely to obtain the necessary export authorization from the appropriate U.S. government agency.

The company reserves the right to decline pursuing an export licensing process for legitimate business-related reasons.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Aalyria is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Qualified applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.