Mechanical / Electro-Mechanical Engineer - Optical Systems

Optopax • San Jose, CA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Optopax is seeking a hands-on Mechanical / Electro-Mechanical Engineer to join their Silicon Valley-based team. This role involves taking requirements from optics and test teams and developing robust, manufacturable systems. The position requires a blend of CAD design, hands-on assembly, testing, debugging, and iteration of optical fixtures, camera test stations, and electro-mechanical subsystems, often under tight deadlines. The ideal candidate is comfortable in CAD, at the bench, and on the shop floor, with a strong understanding of how design choices impact assembly, yield, reliability, and cost. Optopax specializes in AI-enabled camera modules, precision optics, and custom embedded systems for various applications including robotics, industrial vision, biomedical devices, and AR/VR.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field with years of professional experience
• Strong CAD skills (Fusion 360 preferred)
• Strong experience with DFM/DFA, GD&T, and tolerance analysis
• Proven hands-on prototyping and fabrication experience (CNC/manual machining, 3D printing, sheet metal, fixtures, jigs)
• Experience integrating electro-mechanical and motion systems
• Comfortable working with small, precision mechanical and optical assemblies
• Experience using and integrating microcontrollers and SBCs into testing platforms
• Software experience (Python and/or C++) for test or automation
• Lab-oriented mindset with attention to detail and practical problem solving
• Clear written and verbal communication skills

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with common optical and motion vendors (e.g., Thorlabs, Edmund Optics, Newport)
• Experience designing optical test fixtures or camera test systems
• Control system integration (PLCs, motion controllers, sensors)
• FEA experience (static, thermal, modal, or nonlinear)
• Experience working with external manufacturers and machine shops
• Exposure to early-stage product development and rapid iteration cycles

Responsibilities

• Design integrated electro-mechanical and opto-mechanical systems for camera modules, optical test fixtures, and precision assemblies
• Translate specifications from optics, test, and embedded teams into manufacturable hardware designs
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and production drawings (Fusion 360 preferred)
• Apply DFM/DFA, GD&T, and tolerance stack-ups to ensure repeatable builds
• Design and integrate multi-axis motion systems (linear stages, actuators, motors, encoders)
• Build and evaluate prototypes using 3D printing, CNC machining, and sheet-metal fabrication
• Assemble and test precision mechanical and optical assemblies, including camera modules and fixtures
• Develop and run test setups, collect data, and document results
• Source components and work directly with vendors, machine shops, and optical suppliers
• Support transition from prototype to low-volume and production builds
• Collaborate closely with optics, firmware, electronics, and manufacturing teams

Benefits

• Work at the intersection of optics, AI, and embedded systems
• Own hardware from concept through manufacturing
• See your designs quickly turn into working systems used in real-world applications
• Join a small, high-impact team where engineering decisions matter

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level