Andreessen Horowitz has recently invested in a stealth startup building a space-based data transport network that moves enterprise data between two points on Earth using free-space laser links in MEO. The company is focused on providing multi-Tbps capacity network infrastructure, relying on optics and unique constellation orbit design to deliver reliable bandwidth to enterprises and sovereigns. If you are interested in learning more, please apply or contact the a16z team to connect with the founders.
The optical design only performs if every element is mounted to sub-micron precision and stays there under thermal swings, vibration, and handling. You own the structure the entire beam path rides on, and the alignment scheme that keeps it true from bench to field.
You partner with folks across disciplines such as Optical Design on tolerancing and with Thermal on the structural-thermal-optical behavior that drives alignment stability, and you design the assembly to survive the move from a lab bench to a fielded terminal.
Optomechanical assembly design — the backbone the optical path mounts to.
The sub-micron alignment scheme: mounts, flexures, and kinematic design.
Mechanical and thermal stability of the optical train under real loads.
Tolerance and alignment-budget partnership with Optical Design.
Structural-thermal-optical (STOP) behavior, with Thermal.
The mounting architecture's path from lab bench to fielded terminal.
Optomechanical design and precision-alignment depth — microns under real-world loads.
Mounts, flexures, and kinematic-design experience.
FEA and structural-thermal-optical reasoning.
Hands-on alignment and integration of optical assemblies.
Strong modeling skills (Python, MATLAB, or similar) and lab experience.
Space or airborne optomechanical hardware.
Lasercom terminal experience.
Vibration, shock, or environmental design.
Precision-instrument or metrology-grade mechanics.
If this list doesn't perfectly match your background but you've done serious precision-optomechanical work, reach out anyway — we are always looking for exceptional people.
We are a lean company by design. There is no program office, no requirements team handing you specs, and no army of analysts. You will build the models, make the calls on incomplete data, and be forced to defend and revise them. You will spend meaningful hands-on time in the lab, not just in reviews. You will own your piece of the system and live with the consequences of your own trades. If you do your best work inside a large, well-resourced program, this seat will frustrate you. If you have been waiting for that kind of ownership from the start, this is the job for you.
We offer competitive, best-in-class compensation including salary, meaningful equity, and full benefits. Health, dental, vision, generous paid time off (PTO), relocation support, and a real equipment and lab budget.
Location: Culver City (onsite).
