Mechanical Design Engineer Precision Optical Systems

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer Precision Optical Systems
Location: Mountain View CA (Hybrid)

Duration: 8 months ONLY on W2

Role Overview

The Mechanical Design Engineer will provide coverage for an ongoing high-precision optical/mechanical systems project, contributing directly to the design and optimization of components used in advanced imaging and mapping devices. The ideal candidate combines strong mechanical design expertise with a deep understanding of tolerances, manufacturability, and system-level performance. This is a hands-on, individual contributor (IC) role requiring creativity, adaptability, and sound engineering judgment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop detailed mechanical designs and 3D models from high-level product requirements.
• Apply GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) principles and ensure Design for Manufacturability (DFM) throughout the process.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including manufacturing partners, to ensure design intent is realized in production.
• Create detailed engineering drawings, documentation, and design requirements.
• Evaluate material properties, system-level forces, and performance trade-offs.
• Demonstrate curiosity and analytical thinking when interpreting simulation results (structural/vibration focus).
• Adapt designs across product generations each design cycle involves significant architectural evolution, not repetitive design.
• Work with PLM systems to manage design versions and lifecycle documentation.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or closely related discipline with strong mechanical fundamentals).
• 4 6+ years of mechanical design experience; mid to senior level individual contributor.
• Proficiency in GD&T, DFM, and system-level mechanical design principles.
• Demonstrated experience designing high-precision assemblies (optical, camera, sensor, or similar).
• Ability to independently create models, drawings, and tolerance analyses.
• Strong communication skills to interface with manufacturing and cross-functional teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency with Onshape (primary CAD tool used by the team).
• Familiarity with PLM systems and FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS) for analysis and validation.
• Experience in automotive, aerospace, optical, or medical device industries.
• Exposure to NX CAD or equivalent, with willingness to adapt to Onshape.
• Understanding of structural/vibration simulations and their real-world application limits.