Mechanical Design Engineer - Precision Optics & Vacuum

SLAC; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 135,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

18+ PTO days per year

Health benefits

Flexible work options

$6000+ annual tuition and training

403k plan

Mental health and wellness programs

Commuter benefits

Job summary

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, CA seeks an engineering designer to lead component conceptualization, 3D CAD development, and lifecycle management from concept through installation. You will coordinate with physicists, scientists, and technicians to define requirements and ensure precise assembly and integration.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering with 2+ years CAD experience, strong heat transfer and FEA fundamentals, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field required with CAD experience.
• Capable of developing innovative design concepts with strong analytical skills.
• Experience with CAD, FEA, and thermomechanical analyses is essential.
• Ability to work with cross-disciplinary teams including physicists and technicians.

Responsibilities

• Lead component conceptualization, engineering analysis, and 3D CAD development with vendor coordination.
• Manage full lifecycle from concept to installation with collaboration across teams.
• Prepare / maintain design reports, reviews, costs, schedules, and system documentation.

Skills

CAD systems

Manufacturing methods

Precision design

Kinematic design

ANSI drafting

Parametric CAD

Windows environments

Concept development

Analytical troubleshooting

Heat transfer

Thermal stress

Structural analysis

FEA

Written and verbal communication

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

2+ years mechanical design experience

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

Solid Edge

FEA tools

Job description

SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory in Menlo Park, CA seeks an engineering designer to lead component conceptualization, 3D CAD development, and lifecycle management from concept through installation. You will coordinate with physicists, scientists, and technicians to define requirements and ensure precise assembly and integration.

The role requires a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering with 2+ years CAD experience, strong heat transfer and FEA fundamentals, and excellent communication skills.