Josh Leyendecker
Erie
Summary
Opto-mechanical design engineer with 8 years of aerospace industry experience and 8 years of military background in US Air Force Space Command. Expertise in executing complex projects focused on precision payload structures. Committed to delivering high-quality work and results-driven mechanical design from concept to final verification. Seeking opportunities to apply skills in optical payload development.
U.S citizen with active TS/SCI Security Clearance
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Engineer - Payload Mechanical
BAE Systems, Inc. (formerly Ball Aerospace)
Broomfield
01.2018 - Current
- Utilizes extensive knowledge of precision carbon composite materials to design athermal optical benches with integrated metallic fittings for use in harsh space environments.
- Implements innovative techniques for optical mounting in aerospace applications, including flexured systems and bonding methods, to create stable optical systems with athermalization and low thermal expansion capabilities. Maintains close involvement throughout the entire hardware lifecycle, from assembly and integration to testing (AI&T) in controlled cleanroom environments, as well as environmental testing that involves vibration, shock, and thermal vacuum conditions.
- Manages and oversees multiple vendors for composite structures, optical components, machined parts, and coating subcontracts, carefully defining requirements, providing guidance during design, and conducting hands-on inspections and testing for both single and multi-unit builds.
- Developed detailed part and assembly drawings and subcontract specifications using industry standards and expertise in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
- Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to create high-performance opto-mechanical systems for space applications, leveraging excellent communication and teamwork skills to ensure project success.
Ground Systems Crew Chief, Instructor, And System Mater Expert
U.S. Air Force
Aurora
04.2010 - 04.2018
- Led a team of military personnel on an operations floor for the Spaced Based Inferred System (SBIRS) program.
- Functioned as a system expert and instructor as a ground systems crew chief.
- Managed and supervised team's daily operations, ensuring operational readiness and mission success.
- Guided and instructed personnel on effective use of SBIRS program to enhance operational performance.
- Trained team members to maintain high proficiency and knowledge in ground systems operations.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Colorado
Denver, CO01-2017
Skills
- Opto-mechanical design
- Optical component design
- Composite structures design
- Optics bonding and flexured system methods
- GD&T
- 3D modeling (SolidWorks)
- Mechanical drawings
- Subcontract management
Timeline
Principal Engineer - Payload Mechanical
BAE Systems, Inc. (formerly Ball Aerospace)
01.2018 - Current
Ground Systems Crew Chief, Instructor, And System Mater Expert
U.S. Air Force
04.2010 - 04.2018
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
University of Colorado