Mechanical / Electro-Mechanical Engineer

Optopax; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Optopax seeks a hands-on Mechanical/Electro-Mechanical Engineer to turn loose requirements into robust hardware for AI imaging systems.

You will design optical/mechanical fixtures, test stations, and subsystems, balancing manufacturability, yield, and cost in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or closely related field with years of professional experience.
• Strong CAD skills (Fusion 360 preferred).
• Experience with DFM/DFA, GD&T, and tolerance analysis.
• Hands-on prototyping: CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal, fixtures.
• Experience integrating electro-mechanical and motion systems.
• Software for test/automation: Python and/or C++.

Responsibilities

• Design integrated electro-mechanical and opto-mechanical systems for camera modules and fixtures.
• Translate specifications from optics, test, and embedded teams into manufacturable hardware designs.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and production drawings (Fusion 360 preferred).
• Apply DFM/DFA, GD&T, and tolerance analysis to ensure repeatable builds.
• Build and evaluate prototypes using 3D printing, CNC machining, and sheet-metal fabrication.
• Collaborate with optics, firmware, electronics, and manufacturing teams.

Skills

Mechanical engineering

Mechatronics

Prototyping

DFM/DFA

GD&T

Tolerance analysis

Microcontroller integration

Python

C++

Technical communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics

Tools

Fusion 360

CNC machining

3D printing

Sheet metal fabrication

Job description

About OptopaxOptopax is a Silicon Valley–based design and OEM manufacturing company delivering integrated AI imaging solutions—from concept through production. We specialize in AI-enabled camera modules, precision optics spanning UV to LWIR, and custom embedded systems for robotics, industrial vision, submersible imaging, biomedical devices, AR/VR, and optical computing. We are a small, highly technical team headquartered in San Jose, CA, building real hardware that ships.

About OptopaxOptopax is a Silicon Valley–based design and OEM manufacturing company delivering integrated AI imaging solutions—from concept through production. We specialize in AI-enabled camera modules, precision optics spanning UV to LWIR, and custom embedded systems for robotics, industrial vision, submersible imaging, biomedical devices, AR/VR, and optical computing. We are a small, highly technical team headquartered in San Jose, CA, building real hardware that ships.

About The RoleWe are looking for a hands-on Mechanical / Electro-Mechanical Engineer who can take loosely defined requirements from optics and test teams and turn them into robust, manufacturable systems. This is not a CAD-only role and not a pure manufacturing role. You will design, build, assemble, test, debug, and iterate optical fixtures, camera test stations, and electro-mechanical subsystems—often under tight timelines. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys being equally comfortable in CAD, at the bench, and on the shop floor, and who understands how design decisions affect assembly, yield, reliability, and cost.

What You’ll Do

• Design integrated electro-mechanical and opto-mechanical systems for camera modules, optical test fixtures, and precision assemblies
• Translate specifications from optics, test, and embedded teams into manufacturable hardware designs
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and production drawings (Fusion 360 preferred)
• Apply DFM/DFA, GD&T, and tolerance stack-ups to ensure repeatable builds
• Design and integrate multi-axis motion systems (linear stages, actuators, motors, encoders)
• Build and evaluate prototypes using 3D printing, CNC machining, and sheet-metal fabrication
• Assemble and test precision mechanical and optical assemblies, including camera modules and fixtures Develop and run test setups, collect data, and document results
• Source components and work directly with vendors, machine shops, and optical suppliers
• Support transition from prototype to low-volume and production builds
• Collaborate closely with optics, firmware, electronics, and manufacturing teams

What You’ll Bring

• Required

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field with years of professional experience
• Strong CAD skills (Fusion 360 preferred)
• Strong experience with DFM/DFA, GD&T, and tolerance analysis
• Proven hands-on prototyping and fabrication experience (CNC/manual machining, 3D printing, sheet metal, fixtures, jigs)
• Experience integrating electro-mechanical and motion systems
• Comfortable working with small, precision mechanical and optical assemblies
• Experience using and integrating microcontrollers and SBCs into testing platforms
• Software experience (Python and/or C++) for test or automation
• Lab-oriented mindset with attention to detail and practical problem solving
• Clear written and verbal communication skills

Nice to Have

• Familiarity with common optical and motion vendors (e.g., Thorlabs, Edmund Optics, Newport)
• Experience designing optical test fixtures or camera test systems
• Control system integration (PLCs, motion controllers, sensors)
• FEA experience (static, thermal, modal, or nonlinear)
• Experience working with external manufacturers and machine shops
• Exposure to early-stage product development and rapid iteration cycles

Why Optopax?

• Work at the intersection of optics, AI, and embedded systems
• Own hardware from concept through manufacturing
• See your designs quickly turn into working systems used in real-world applications
• Join a small, high-impact team where engineering decisions matter