Associate Mechanical Engineer

Seek Thermal; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Seek Thermal in Santa Barbara, California, is seeking an Associate Mechanical Engineer to design, build, test, and validate mechanical packaging for our thermal imaging consumer products. This role will work closely with engineering and production staff throughout all stages of product development, with strong 3D CAD skills and familiarity with manufacturing methods.

The Associate Mechanical Engineer will report to the Senior Mechanical Engineer and help drive design decisions, documentation,

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field; 0–2 years professional experience.
• Strong 3D CAD skills and experience designing mechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with manufacturing methods and GD&T principles.

Responsibilities

• Support mechanical packaging design for electro‑optical products.
• Perform analysis, modeling, benchmarking, and trade studies.
• Develop test plans and documentation for NPI.
• Collaborate with vendors for DFMs and cost/quality improvements.
• Design fixtures for manufacturing and testing.
• Support sustaining efforts and manufacturability improvements.
• Coordinate with Operations and ensure ISO/QMS conformance.
• Maintain clear cross‑functional communication.

Skills

SolidWorks

3D CAD

GD&T

Machining

Prototyping

Documentation

Teamwork

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Associate Mechanical Engineer

Seek Thermal Santa Barbara, California, United States

About this position

Description: We are looking for an Associate Mechanical Engineer to support the design, build, test, and validation of mechanical packaging solutions for our thermal imaging consumer products. This role will work closely with engineering and production staff throughout all stages of product development. Strong 3D CAD skills, previous experience designing mechanical assemblies, and familiarity with designing parts for various manufacturing methods are highly desired. Above all, we are looking for the right individual to work in our rapid paced environment and are willing to consider candidates with different levels of work experience. The Associate Mechanical Engineer will report directly to the Senior Mechanical Engineer.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the design of mechanical packaging solutions for electro-optical products that require detailed knowledge of standard material types, fabrication methods, and certification standards for consumer electronic devices.
• Evaluate alternative design concepts by performing analysis, modeling, competitive benchmarking and technical trade off studies.
• Develop test plans and methodologies to objectively verify performance against requirements under the supervision of the Senior Mechanical Engineer.
• Prepare product documentation to support new product introduction.
• Document project decisions and provide appropriate cross-functional team communication.
• Support communication with outside vendors for related design work including DFMs with suppliers in support of ongoing cost and quality improvements.
• Design mechanical fixtures used for manufacturing, testing and other design related activities.
• Provide sustaining support for existing product lines. Recommend, where appropriate, design changes for consideration by the cross-functional team.
• Work with Operations department to ensure optimal manufacturability.
• Work within Seek’s ISO Certification and QMS conformance.

SKILLS KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Strong knowledge of mechanical design and 3D CAD with Solidworks.
• Knowledge and capability with machining, hand tools, 3D Printing, and dimensional inspection including GD&T.
• Knowledge of high-volume manufacturing methods such as stamping, casting, and injection molding.
• Exposure to infrared systems, analysis, measurements, and testing.
• Ability to communicate technical proposals and effectively manage assigned tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to build strong relationships and effectively partner with others
• Ability to multi-task in a rapid paced environment.
• Ability to perform technical tradeoff studies and document design recommendations for consideration by cross-functional teams.
• Strong understanding and appreciation of proper documentation practices.
• Strong communication abilities, both verbally and written.
• Strong Computer Skills: Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Requirements

• Bachelors of Science degree (BS) in Mechanical Engineering or related field with 0-2 years professional engineering experience. In unique cases, extensive work experience can substitute for degree requirements

Salary Information