Mechanical Engineer- NLX

ZEISS•Dublin, CA

16d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mechanical Engineer – X-ray Source Development leads research, design, prototyping, and quantitative characterization of next-generation X-ray source hardware with a specialized focus on mechanical architecture, thermal management, structural integrity, and precision integration of high-voltage subsystems. This role emphasizes robust, manufacturable mechanical designs for vacuum and high-voltage environments, including component layout, stress and thermal analysis, and hands-on prototyping and testing. You will define the mechanical architecture for advanced X-ray sources—covering enclosures, vacuum and cooling subsystems, high-voltage mechanics, precision mounts and interfaces, and serviceable assemblies. Your contributions will directly advance source reliability, stability, lifetime, manufacturability, and seamless integration into next-generation X-ray microscopy platforms.

Requirements

BSME with 8+ years of experience in relevant industry or MSME with 2-4 years of experience in relevant industry
Demonstrated expertise in 3D CAD (SolidWorks strongly preferred), including complex assemblies, detailed drawings, and PDM/PLM usage.
Proven experience with thermal and structural analysis using SolidWorks Simulation or comparable FEA tools.
Strong foundation in GD&T and mechanical dimensioning/tolerancing for precision assemblies.
Demonstrated track record in design for manufacturing and assembly, including collaboration with machine shops, vendors, and production teams.
Hands-on experience building and testing mechanical prototypes, fixtures, and lab setups.
Fluency in English is required, including technical communication.
Ability to understand and work effectively with team members from electrical engineering, software engineering, advanced development, manufacturing, marketing, and product management; strong communication skills to resolve cross-functional technical challenges.

Nice To Haves

Experience with one or more of the following is strongly preferred: vacuum systems, high-voltage or high-power equipment, precision instruments, X-ray or electron-beam devices, or other complex mechatronic systems.

Responsibilities

Lead the design of mechanical assemblies for X-ray sources, including vacuum housings, support structures, precision mounts, and protective enclosures for high-voltage and ultra-high vacuum components.
Perform detailed structural and modal analyses (e.g., stress, deformation, vibration) using SolidWorks Simulation or equivalent tools to ensure stability, robustness, and long-term reliability.
Define material selections and design features that support high-voltage isolation, thermal performance, vacuum compatibility, and radiation environment constraints.
Own the 3D CAD master model and associated 2D drawings, ensuring configuration control and cross-functional alignment.
Model and optimize thermal performance of source assemblies, including conduction, convection, and radiation paths, to maintain component temperatures within specified limits.
Design and validate active and passive thermal management solutions (e.g., heat sinks, cooling channels, fans, liquid loops, insulation, thermal interfaces).
Collaborate with electrical and systems engineers to co-design thermally robust layouts for power electronics, targets, detectors, and other heat-generating components.
Plan and execute thermal test campaigns to correlate analysis with experimental data and refine designs.
Design precision mechanical interfaces and alignment schemes for electron-optical components, targets, and detectors to ensure repeatable positioning and stability.
Develop mechanical solutions for vacuum systems (e.g., flanges, seals, feedthrough interfaces, supports) in collaboration with vacuum and electron-optics experts.
Implement clearances, creepage distances, supports, and barriers that enable safe and reliable integration of high-voltage components within mechanical assemblies.
Support the development of target and anode assemblies capable of handling high power densities and thermal loads.
Apply DFM/DFA principles to create designs that are cost-effective, robust, and easy to assemble, test, and service at scale.
Generate fully detailed drawings with robust GD&T to control critical interfaces, tolerances, and functional relationships.
Work closely with internal manufacturing, supply chain, and external suppliers to refine designs for machining, casting, sheet metal, additive manufacturing, and other processes.
Support make-versus-buy decisions by providing technical input on manufacturability, risk, and cost.
Build and assemble mechanical prototypes, fixtures, and test setups; be hands-on in the lab and on the production floor.
Plan and execute mechanical validation tests (e.g., fit, functional, thermal, vibration, life tests) and document results with clear, data-driven conclusions.
Collaborate with electrical, software, and systems engineering teams to integrate mechanical designs into full X-ray instruments, resolving interface and packaging issues.
Support root-cause analysis and continuous improvement activities for field issues and manufacturing non-conformances.
Own mechanical development work packages from concept through prototype demonstration and transfer to product development, including planning, risk analysis, and technical reviews.
Mentor junior mechanical engineers and interns in CAD best practices, GD&T, simulation, DFM/DFA, and experimental methods.
Drive innovation in mechanical design, thermal architecture, materials, and manufacturing methods to create differentiated, high-performance X-ray source solutions.