Mechanical Engineer - Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara Infrared Inc; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

PTO

HSA

FSA

Life insurance

Job summary

Santa Barbara Infrared Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Engineer based in Santa Barbara, CA, who will design and develop precision mechanical systems for infrared test equipment. The role involves working intimately with various teams to ensure successful integration and performance of optical test systems.

The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of relevant experience, a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, and proficiency in SolidWorks. The job includes competitive compensation and benefits such as health insurance and a 401(k) plan.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of related experience.
• Demonstrated experience owning designs through full lifecycle for high-complexity, low-volume manufacturing.
• Ability to work independently and in collaborative environments.

Responsibilities

• Own the complete lifecycle of IR and E-O hardware including design, development, and testing.
• Create hardware designs suitable for production while adhering to budgetary and schedule requirements.
• Partner with project managers and engineers to support manufacturing.

Skills

Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks Preferred)

Strong problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Excellent communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

Mechanical Engineer

Santa Barbara Infrared, Inc. (SBIR) - Santa Barbara, CA

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and test precision mechanical systems for IR test equipment. In this role, you'll create and refine designs, support product integration, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver reliable, high-performance solutions. Your work will directly impact the performance of next‑generation optical test systems used by global aerospace and defense leaders. This is a hands‑on, on‑site role in Santa Barbara, CA.

$115,000/yr. to $150,000/yr., DOE

On‑Site

Responsibilities

• Own the complete lifecycle of IR and E‑O hardware including design, development, and testing of mechanical systems and precision optical mounts/mechanisms.
• Create hardware designs suitable for high mix, low volume production (CNC, sheet metal, AM, etc.) while adhering to budgetary, schedule, and customer requirements.
• Partner with project managers, system engineers, vendors, and production staff to support manufacturing and rapidly implement performance, reliability, and quality improvements.
• Create and maintain detailed design documentation, including fabrication/assembly drawings, BOMs, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 5+ years of related experience.
• Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks Preferred) and solid knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance stack-ups.
• Demonstrated experience owning designs through full lifecycle, applicable to high‑complexity, low‑volume manufacturing.
• Ability to work independently and in collaborative, team‑oriented environments.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, attention to detail, excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred

• Familiarity with Engineering Change Processes (ECOs), revision control, and product data management (PDM/PLM) systems.
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and/or thermal modeling/simulation.
• Background in optical systems, vacuum Dewar design, or electro‑mechanical packaging.
• Hands‑on experience with precision mechanisms, assemblies, or test fixtures.

Additional Information

Due to US Export Control Regulations compliance, eligible candidates MUST be a US citizen, permanent resident or a person who has been granted asylum; proper documentation required. Pre‑employment verifications: must pass background, reference and ITAR/EAR checks in addition to a pre‑employment drug screen.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, HSA, FSA, 9/80 alternate work week schedule, LTD, life insurance, and more.

Equal Opportunity

SBIR is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (Male/Female/Veteran/Disabled).