Mechanical Engineer, RIT

Rigaku Americas Holding, Inc.; Auburn Hills (MI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Flexible spending accounts

Job summary

Rigaku Americas Holding, Inc. seeks a mechanical engineer to design and develop precision opto-mechanical systems for X-ray optics, including mirrors, monochromators, and sources.

You will translate optical requirements into robust mechanical designs and manage tolerances, thermal, and structural analyses. Responsibilities include creating GD&T drawings in SolidWorks, assembling and aligning components, testing systems, and documenting design iterations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical/Opto-Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field.
• Experience with precision motion systems and interferometric alignment.
• Background supporting X-ray optics experiments and synchrotron/lab sources.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop precision opto-mechanical systems for X-ray optics.
• Translate optical and experimental requirements into mechanical designs.
• Perform tolerance, thermal, and structural analyses.
• Create 3D CAD models and GD&T drawings.
• Assemble, align, and test X-ray optical systems in the lab.
• Document designs, analyses, and changes.

Skills

Precision motion systems

Interferometric alignment

Opto-mechanical design

Experimental problem-solving

Vacuum systems experience

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Opto-Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD software

Job description

Join Rigaku in shaping a better world through new perspectives!

Essential Functions:

• Design and develop precision opto-mechanical systems for X-ray optics, including mirrors, monochromators, x-ray sources, and other elements.
• Collaborate with X-ray optical scientists and engineers to translate optical and experimental requirements into mechanical designs.
• Perform tolerance, thermal, and structural analyses to ensure optical performance and mechanical stability.
• Design ultra-stable mounts, stages, vacuum-compatible structures, housings and alignment mechanisms.
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and engineering drawings with appropriate GD&T.
• Support laboratory experiments including assembly, integration, alignment, and testing of X-ray optical systems.
• Participate in system characterization, and performance optimization.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and opto-mechanical issues during experimental operation.
• Support prototype build, optical alignment, integration, and verification test.
• Troubleshoot mechanical and opto-mechanical issues during development and production.
• Work with manufacturing partners to ensure designs are manufacturable, testable, and cost-effective.
• Document designs, analyses, test results, engineering changes, and design iterations.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Opto-Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.

Experience:

• Experience with precision motion systems, nanopositioning devices, and interferometric alignment.
• Familiarity with vacuum systems, vacuum compatible materials, and clean assembly practices.
• Background in supporting experiments at synchrotron or laboratory X-ray sources.
• Experience collaborating with scientists on exploratory or R&D projects.
• Research experience in X-ray optics, synchrotron instrumentation, or related fields.
• Hands-on capability and experience with X-ray optical components (mirrors, monochromators, multilayers, zone plates, etc.).

Competencies:

• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks).
• Understanding of opto-mechanical principles: alignment sensitivity, thermal effects, vibration, and stability.
• Strong analytical and experimental problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and precision.
• Ability to work independently in a research setting while collaborating across disciplines.
• Comfortable with iterative design and experimental uncertainty.
• Good technical communication skills (written and verbal).

The following are not required but highly appreciated:

• Hands-on capability and experience with X-ray optical components (mirrors, monochromators, multilayers, zone plates, etc.).
• Familiarity with vacuum systems, vacuum compatible materials, and clean assembly practices.
• Experience with precision motion systems, nano positioning stages, and interferometric alignment.

Rigaku offers a rewarding work environment and excellent benefits.

All applicants are kept in strict confidence.

Benefits package includes Health, Dental, Vision, STD, LTD, Life insurance, section 125 flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan and more.

Rigaku is an EEO/AA employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status.

Applicants must be able to prove they can legally work in the US.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

Our Work Experience is the combination of everything that's unique about us: our culture, our core values, our company meetings, our commitment to sustainability, our recognition programs, but most importantly, it's our people.

Our employees are self-disciplined, hard working, curious, trustworthy, humble, and truthful.

They make choices according to what is best for the team, they live for opportunities to collaborate and make a difference, and they make us the #1 Top Workplace in the area.