Camera & Optical Module Mechanical Engineer

Doist; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Zipline seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer for Camera and Optical Modules to own architecture and detailed design from concept through validation, ramp to production and fleet operation. You will integrate sensors, optics, electronics, and thermal paths into compact, production-ready assemblies.

You will work at the boundary of mechanical engineering, optics, electronics, and high-volume manufacturing, ensuring alignment and image quality across environmental stresses and years of field use.

Qualifications

• Experience designing camera modules, optical instruments, perception sensors, robotics hardware, automotive or aerospace hardware.
• Strong mechanical fundamentals including thermal design, materials, joints, sealing, vibration, fatigue and tolerance analysis.
• Advanced CAD skills and ability to document design margins, release recommendations and residual risks.
• Experience with camera alignment concepts such as focus, tilt, decenter, boresight, FOV, and calibration stability.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end mechanical design for camera and optical assemblies from concept to production release.
• Translate cross-domain requirements into measurable mechanical requirements and acceptance criteria.
• Establish alignment and calibration strategies controlling lens-to-sensor geometry.
• Develop tolerance models linking variation to image-quality outcomes.
• Design lightweight housings, mounts, and interfaces for high-volume production.
• Integrate sensors, lenses, PCBs, and connectors into robust modules.
• Define EMI shielding, grounding, and bonding strategies across components.
• Lead prototype, production, and field investigations to identify root causes and corrective actions.
• Maintain interface-control documentation and release records.

Skills

Camera modules design

Optical instruments

Perception sensors

Mechanical design

GD&T

Final assemblies integration

Reliability and test methods

Supplier collaboration

Job description

Zipline seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer for Camera and Optical Modules to own architecture and detailed design from concept through validation, ramp to production and fleet operation. You will integrate sensors, optics, electronics, and thermal paths into compact, production-ready assemblies.

You will work at the boundary of mechanical engineering, optics, electronics, and high-volume manufacturing, ensuring alignment and image quality across environmental stresses and years of field use.