Mechanical Engineer

Optomec Inc•Saint Paul, MN

14d•Onsite

About The Position

Optomec is seeking an Entry-Level Mechanical Engineer to support the development, testing, manufacturing, and continuous improvement of its Aerosol Jet printing systems. This position is well suited to a recent graduate or early-career engineer who enjoys hands-on technical work and wants to contribute to advanced additive manufacturing technology. The engineer will work with mechanical, electrical, software, process, and manufacturing personnel to develop precision printing equipment, motion systems, fixtures, enclosures, material-delivery components, and customer-specific tooling. The position will provide experience across the complete product lifecycle—from concept development and prototyping through documentation, system integration, testing, and production support.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
Zero to two years of professional experience; relevant internships, laboratory work, senior design projects, or research experience are valued.
Working knowledge of 3D CAD and mechanical drawing practices.
Understanding of mechanical design fundamentals, materials, manufacturing processes, and dimensional tolerancing.
Ability to create clear drawings and technical documentation.
Familiarity with standard manufacturing processes such as machining, sheet-metal fabrication, 3D printing, and mechanical assembly.
Ability to use basic measurement and laboratory equipment.
Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
Willingness to work directly with equipment in an engineering laboratory and manufacturing environment.
Ability to communicate effectively and work with multidisciplinary teams.
Strong attention to detail and willingness to learn unfamiliar technologies.

Nice To Haves

Experience with SolidWorks (preferred), Autodesk Inventor, Fusion, AutoCAD, or comparable CAD software.
Familiarity with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing.
Experience creating bills of materials and working with PDM, PLM, or engineering-change systems.
Hands-on experience assembling or troubleshooting electromechanical equipment.
Exposure to precision motion systems, motors, linear stages, encoders, pneumatics, or machine controls.
Experience designing fixtures, tooling, laboratory equipment, or automated machinery.
Familiarity with additive manufacturing, printed electronics, semiconductor equipment, robotics, or industrial automation.
Basic understanding of thermal management, fluid systems, gas handling, or aerosol processes.
Experience working with suppliers, machine shops, or contract manufacturers.
Familiarity with design-for-manufacturing and design-for-assembly principles.
Experience with engineering test plans, data collection, and technical reports.
Prior Aerosol Jet experience is not required. Training will be provided.

Responsibilities

Create and modify mechanical designs for Aerosol Jet printing systems, subsystems, fixtures, and accessories.
Prepare detailed part drawings, assembly drawings, tolerance specifications, and bills of materials.
Support the design of precision motion assemblies, print-head mounts, substrate fixtures, enclosures, guarding, and material-delivery components.
Develop fixtures and tooling for holding, positioning, heating, and processing customer substrates.
Perform engineering calculations involving tolerances, loads, thermal effects, component sizing, and mechanical interfaces.
Assist with prototype assembly, system integration, troubleshooting, and design verification.
Plan and conduct mechanical tests; document results and recommend design improvements.
Work with process engineers to translate printing requirements into mechanical and system requirements.
Support machine alignment, calibration, nozzle positioning, stand-off control, and motion-system verification.
Create and maintain engineering documentation, including specifications, test procedures, assembly instructions, and service documentation.
Update drawings and bills of materials through the engineering-change process.
Support manufacturing personnel and outside suppliers by resolving drawing, assembly, tolerance, and component issues.
Help improve designs for manufacturability, reliability, serviceability, cost, and second-source availability.
Participate in design reviews, failure investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
Assist with customer demonstrations, system acceptance testing, installation, and technical support when needed.
Follow applicable machine-safety, laboratory, quality, and documentation procedures.