Mechanical Engineer – Precision Opto-Mechanical Systems

KineoLabs; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

KineoLabs in Boston, MA is seeking a highly hands-on Mechanical Engineer to design, build, and refine precision opto-mechanical systems, moving from CAD to the machine shop to final alignment.

The role emphasizes stability, precision, and scalability as you develop manufacturable assemblies for advanced optical instrumentation and collaborate across disciplines.

You will prototype, test, and iterate in a fast-paced environment, contributing to design reviews and BOM management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Responsibilities

• Design and develop precision mechanical components and assemblies using SolidWorks or Onshape; create 2D drawings and 3D models with GD&T
• Translate prototype designs into manufacturable, scalable assemblies
• Hands-on lab work to build, test, and iterate on mechanical and opto‑mechanical systems
• Develop mechanically stable optical assemblies with resistance to vibration and thermal drift
• Perform precision optical alignment and validate system performance
• Collaborate with electrical, optical, and software engineers to integrate complete systems
• Source components, manage BOMs, and interface with machine shops and vendors for high‑quality fabrication
• Contribute to design reviews, tolerance analysis, and reliability improvements

Skills

SolidWorks

Onshape

CNC Machining

GD&T

Engineering Drawings

DFM DFA

BOM Management

Vendor Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CNC Milling

Machine Shop Equipment

Job description

We are seeking a highly hands‑on Mechanical Engineer to design, build, and refine precision opto‑mechanical systems. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of design, prototyping, and real‑world hardware—someone who can move seamlessly from CAD to the machine shop to final system alignment.

You will play a critical role in developing robust, manufacturable assemblies for advanced optical instrumentation, with a strong emphasis on stability, precision, and scalability.

Location: Boston, MA (on‑site required)

Type: Full‑time

About the Role

We are seeking a highly hands‑on Mechanical Engineer to design, build, and refine precision opto‑mechanical systems. This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of design, prototyping, and real‑world hardware—someone who can move seamlessly from CAD to the machine shop to final system alignment.

You will play a critical role in developing robust, manufacturable assemblies for advanced optical instrumentation, with a strong emphasis on stability, precision, and scalability.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and development precision mechanical components and assemblies using SolidWorks or Onshape (other tools can be considered)


• Create, maintain, and release detailed 2D drawings and 3D models, including GD&T where appropriate


• Translate prototype designs into manufacturable, scalable assemblies


• Work hands‑on in the lab to build, test, and iterate on mechanical and opto‑mechanical systems


• Develop mechanically stable optical assemblies with strong resistance to vibration and thermal drift


• Perform precision optical alignment and validate system performance


• Collaborate with electrical, optical, and software engineers to integrate complete systems


• Source components, materials, and vendors; manage BOMs and part procurement


• Interface with machine shops and vendors to ensure high‑quality fabrication


• Contribute to design reviews, tolerance analysis, and reliability improvements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field


• 3+ years of experience in mechanical design for precision systems (or equivalent hands‑on experience)


• Proficiency in SolidWorks or Onshape


• Strong experience creating and maintaining engineering drawings (2D) and CAD assemblies (3D)


• Hands‑on experience with CNC machining, milling machines, and machine shop practices


• Experience building and aligning optical or opto‑mechanical systems


• Understanding of mechanical stability, vibration mitigation, and thermal effects


• Experience designing for manufacturability (DFM) and assembly (DFA)


• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, prototype‑driven environment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with optical instrumentation (e.g., OCT, spectroscopy, laser systems)


• Familiarity with precision alignment techniques (kinematic mounts, flexures, etc.)


• Knowledge of materials selection for low CTE and high stability applications


• Experience transitioning prototypes to volume production


• Familiarity with vendors, fabrication processes, and supply chain management

What We’re Looking For

• Extremely hands‑on—you enjoy building as much as designing


• Strong attention to detail with a focus on precision and quality


• Ability to take ownership from concept through production


• Comfortable working across disciplines in a small, fast‑moving team


• Practical problem‑solver who can iterate quickly and effectively

Why Join Us

• Work on cutting‑edge optical systems and instrumentation


• High ownership and direct impact on product development


• Fast iteration cycles—design, build, test, repeat


• Collaborative, engineering‑driven environment