Mechanical/Mechanism Design Engineer (f/m/d)

We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the development of ruggedized laser communication terminals for integration on UAV and drone platforms. This role focuses on the design of high-precision beam pointing assemblies and mechanically stable mechanical and opto-mechanical architectures capable of maintaining alignment under severe environmental and dynamic conditions.

What You’ll Do

Precision Beam Pointing System Development (Coarse Pointer)

• Design and develop high-accuracy beam steering mechanisms for laser terminals, including actuation systems/motors/bearings, high resolution encoders, etc.
• Perform tolerance analysis, jitter budgeting, and stability optimization to achieve µrad pointing accuracy in vibration/motion environments; perform thermal and structural analysis
• Collaborate with controls and systems engineers to ensure seamless integration of actuators, sensors, and feedback systems
• Optimize mechanisms for low SWaP (Size, Weight, and Power) suitable for drone platforms

Opto-Mechanical Architecture Design

• Design robust mechanical structures to house and maintain alignment of precision optical assemblies (lenses, mirrors, detectors, etc.)
• Develop mounting strategies that minimize thermo-elastic distortion and maintain optical performance across operational temperature ranges
• Conduct detailed tolerance stack-ups and sensitivity analyses to ensure repeatable optical alignment
• Select materials and surface treatments appropriate for thermal stability, weight constraints, and environmental durability
• Work closely with optical engineers to translate optical prescriptions into manufacturable hardware

Environmental & Qualification

• Lead mechanical design activities to meet relevant qualification requirements, including structural integrity, shock loads, thermal cycling, environmental sealing and thermal control
• Support verification testing such as vibration (sine/random), thermal vacuum, ingress protection, and mechanical shock
• Support the generation of qualification documentation, test plans, and compliance matrices
• Contribute to FMECA and MTBF analysis processes

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with optical, systems, electrical, and manufacturing teams to ensure design for integration and producibility, participate in design reviews (PDR/CDR/TRR) and contribute to risk reduction planning
• Support transition from prototype to low-rate and full-rate production

What You Bring

• Education: Master’s Degree or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Opto-Mechanical Engineering, or related fields
• 7-10 years of experience designing precision opto-mechanical systems for aerospace, defence, or high-performance industrial applications
• Demonstrated experience with beam pointing, gimbal systems, or precision alignment mechanisms
• Experience qualifying hardware to standards (e.g., vibration, shock, thermal, environmental)
• Proficiency with CAD tools (in particular Autodesk Inventor)
• Preferably experience with FEA tools (ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus, or equivalent)
• Excellent English communication skills, working level of German would be desirable

Why Join Us?

• Shape next-gen laser communication technology with real-world impact
• Work in a deep-tech startup backed by top-tier research and strategic partners
• Join an inspiring, international, mission-driven, agile team
• Flat hierarchies, real ownership, and the chance to grow with us
• A mix of lab, field, and flight testing - no two days are the same

Who we are

Cucuyo develops and manufactures laser communication systems for the autonomous sky (flight and ground). We are a located in Krailling near Munich. You will be part of a team of technical experts to build an exciting future for the company.

• Interested? Then send us your application to info@cucuyo.group

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 6.000,00€ - 8.000,00€ per month

Ability to commute/relocate:

• 82152 Krailling: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• relevant professional: 7 years (Required)

Language:

• German (Preferred)
• English (Required)

Work Location: In person