Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Actalent•Santa Barbara, CA

39d•$125,000 - $160,000•Onsite

About The Position

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

Requirements

Experience in mechanical design, precision mechanical design, high stiffness, and thermal stability.
Proficiency in FEA and mechanical design experience in production settings.
Knowledge of opto-mechanical design, mechatronics, and sub-micron motion control.
Expertise in precision machining, sheet metal fabrication, plastic injection molding, welding, and casting.
Proficiency in SolidWorks and troubleshooting skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience in a scientific instrumentation company is preferred.

Responsibilities

Define overall mechanical requirements, architecture, interfaces, and theory of operation.
Convert high-level system requirements into subsystem specifications.
Evaluate alternative design approaches through 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 with functional teams and OEM suppliers to meet design requirements and ensure designs are reliable, manufacturable, serviceable, and testable.
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 communicate with cross-functional teams.
Serve as the technical interface with third-party development partners and vendors to ensure quality.