Mechanical Engineer II at Thorlabs

University of Delaware; Ann Arbor (MI); Hybrid; USD 84,000 - 111,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Company paid life insurance

Generous PTO

401(k) plan

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Thorlabs UFO in Ann Arbor is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with 4+ years of proven optomechanical design experience to develop advanced fixtures, components, and instrumentation for photonics. You will perform modeling, testing, validation, and documentation to ensure reliability and performance.

Responsibilities include leading design reviews, coordinating with optical, electrical, and production teams, mentoring junior engineers, and driving parts sourcing and vendor qualification.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of proven experience in optomechanical design.
• BS or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or related field.
• Deep experience with SolidWorks, PLM software and SolidWorks Simulation.
• Experience designing optomechanical solutions for photonics is preferred.
• Strong data analysis, problem-solving, and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Independently develop advanced optomechanical solutions for components and instrumentation.
• Create documentation for parts in advanced optomechanical solutions.
• Perform testing and analysis per validation plans and interpret results.
• Lead design and documentation reviews with senior staff.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams to meet optical and electrical requirements.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive projects to completion.

Skills

Optomechanical design

Solid analytical skills

Documentation

Statistical data analysis

Education

BS or higher in Mechanical/Manufacturing Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

PLM software

SolidWorks Simulation

Job description

Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future. We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast-paced culture.

Thorlabs Ultrafast Optoelectronics (UFO) in Ann Arbor is a division of Thorlabs chartered to develop highspeed photonics components and instrumentation. Mechanical Engineers conceptualize, design, and test optomechanical solutions for components and instrumentation. Projects frequently require consideration of hermetic, thermal, and stress properties. Activities include documentation, vendor management, prototyping, transfer to production, troubleshooting and being committed to customer satisfaction.

• Independently develop advanced optomechanical solutions for components and instrumentation
• Create documentation for parts in advanced optomechanical solutions
• Perform testing and analysis of components and instrumentation per documented validation plans, with the ability to interpret results independently.
• Independently create the required documentation of components and instrumentation
• Influence design decisions on new components and instrumentation in collaboration with senior staff
• Independently develop advanced fixturing solutions for development and production
• Create documentation for parts in fixturing solutions
• Report development status to supervisor on a regular basis
• Conduct design, model, and drawing reviews
• Coordinate with cross-departments to ensure mechanical designs meet optical and electrical requirements
• Recommend innovations and improved methods, tools, and processes
• Independently lead projects to completion through planning, estimation, development, and tracking
• Independently lead sourcing and qualification of parts and vendors
• Mentor junior engineers to reinforce design and documentation best practices
• Create assembly and test instructions
• Assist and train the production department in troubleshooting technical issues

The Company retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.

Requirements

Experience

4+ years of proven experience required in optomechanical design

Education

Minimum of a BS or higher level of education in Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering or related field required

Specialized Knowledge and Skills

• Must have in-depth experience with SolidWorks or similar CAD software
• Must have in-depth experience with PLM software
• Must have in-depth experience with SolidWorks Simulation or similar FEA software
• Experience designing optomechanical solutions for the photonics market preferred
• Excellent statistical data analysis and problem-solving abilities
• Candidate must be detail oriented, highly organized, and able to document work
• Candidate must have excellent written and oral communication skills
• Comfortable in a start-up type environment; self-motivated individual

The estimated pay range for this role is $84,100 - $ 110,700 annually

Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identify or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.

Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.