Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

The Mechanical Design Engineer, as a contractor, will support the mechanical design, analysis, prototyping, testing, documentation, and release for cutting-edge Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs). This role involves full product development from concept through commercialization. Ideal candidates will have experience in precision mechanical design, optical and opto-mechanical design, mechatronics, and sub-micron motion control. The position requires strong initiative, effective cross-functional teamwork, hands-on approach, and deep technical expertise. Candidates should be self-starters with the ability to set goals and achieve them with minimal supervision, coupled with a high level of attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Define overall mechanical requirements, architecture, interfaces, and theory of operation.
• Convert high-level system requirements into subsystem specifications.
• Evaluate alternative design approaches by performing analysis, modeling, and trade studies.
• Perform mechanical design, analysis, hands-on prototyping, and system integration.
• Select mechanical components based on function, availability, reliability, and cost.
• Collaborate closely with functional teams and OEM suppliers to achieve challenging design requirements.
• Develop reliable, manufacturable, serviceable, and testable designs.
• Develop test plans and methodologies to verify performance against requirements.
• Design test fixtures to ensure compliance with product and manufacturing specifications.
• Create product documentation, including BOMs, fabrication files, and assembly drawings.
• Provide technical troubleshooting and failure analysis.
• Document project decisions and ensure appropriate cross-functional team communication.
• Serve as technical interface with third-party development partners and vendors to ensure quality.

Essential Skills

• Mechanical design and precision mechanical design experience.
• Experience with high stiffness and thermal stability design.
• Familiarity with FEA (Finite Element Analysis).
• Opto-mechanical design and mechatronics expertise.
• Experience in sub-micron motion control.
• Proficiency in precision machining, sheet metal fabrication, plastic injection molding, welding, and casting.
• SolidWorks proficiency for design and troubleshooting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Previous production experience.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• High attention to detail.

Work Environment

The work environment is primarily within a typical office and laboratory setting. Occasional work may be required in a Class 1000 clean room, adhering to full gowning protocols. The company offers a large professional culture and full benefits once hired on directly, including holiday, vacation, and sick pay.