Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Science; Alameda (CA); On-site; USD 112,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary + equity

Health/dental/vision insurance

Flexible vacation

Meals for non‑remote staff

Parental leave & other leave

Dependent Care FSA

Flexible Spending Account

401(k)

Job summary

Science is seeking an Opto‑Mechanical Engineer to advance AR glasses through precision optical and mechanical design. You will craft mounts, housings, and adjustment mechanisms while documenting specifications and analyses for cross‑functional teams.

The role emphasizes hands‑on prototyping and testing. The ideal candidate has 5+ years in precision opto‑mechanical design, strong SolidWorks skills, and experience with wearables or consumer electronics.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical/Optical Engineering, Physics or related field.
• 5+ years of precision opto‑mechanical design experience, preferably in wearable or consumer electronics.
• Strong 3D modeling skills in SolidWorks; hands‑on experience building optical systems.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop precision optical and mechanical components for AR glasses, including mounts and adjustment mechanisms.
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, specifications, drawings, and analysis reports.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including optical, electrical, industrial, and manufacturing engineers.

Skills

Opto-mechanical design

3D modeling (SolidWorks)

Prototype build & testing

Optical & mechanical fundamentals

Wearable ergonomics

DFMA

Effective communication

Manufacturing awareness

Education

B.S./M.S. in Mechanical/Optical Engineering or related

Tools

SolidWorks

Zemax

CNC/CAM programming

Job description

Science is a clinical stage, vertically integrated technology company focused on solving some of neuroscience’s hardest questions and most serious unmet medical needs. We work to restore quality of life to those with debilitating conditions for which there are no treatment options, creating devices aimed at restoring vision, cognition, and mobility to patients who have lost it. To support progress across our industry, we provide state-of-the-art components and vertically integrated infrastructure for others to build on via Science Foundry.

We are looking for a hands‑on, experienced Opto‑Mechanical Engineer to support development of our next generation therapeutic devices. This specific role will be heavily involved in the design, integration, and fabrication of precision opto‑mechanical systems. The ideal candidate is a detail‑oriented self‑starter who thinks outside the box, is comfortable with open‑ended problems, and is able to pivot quickly. Work at Science is highly collaborative, cross functional, and encompasses the range from micro (we work in microns) to macro (some machines weigh hundreds of pounds).

Role & Responsibilities

• Design and develop precision optical and mechanical components for AR glasses, including optical elements, mounts, housings, and adjustment mechanisms
• Create and maintain detailed technical documentation, including specifications, drawings, and analysis reports
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including optical engineers, electrical engineers, industrial designers, and manufacturing engineers
• Develop prototypes and conduct testing to validate designs and identify improvements
• Analyze and resolve optical and mechanical design issues throughout product development
• Optimize designs for manufacturability, reliability, and cost‑effectiveness
• Evaluate and select appropriate materials and manufacturing processes
• Collaborate with Clinical and Regulatory teams to define functional requirements and validation methods
• Directly engage with hardware assembly and testing through production scale‑up

Key Qualifications

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Physics or related field
• 5+ years of precision opto‑mechanical design experience, preferably in wearable or consumer electronics
• Highly skilled in 3D modeling of parts and assemblies, Solidworks preferred
• Demonstrated hands‑on skills building optical systems
• Strong fundamental understanding of optical and mechanical principles
• Understanding of human factors related to wearable devices, including ergonomics and comfort
• Strong fabrications skills beyond 3D printing - we make precision parts, internally where possible
• Mechanical simulation and calculation experience (ie structural FEA)
• Fluent in DFMA (machining, molding, precision alignment)
• Strong communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with AR/VR systems, specifically display technologies and optical architectures
• Experience with thermal management in compact optical systems
• Class II/III medical device experience with exposure to IEC 60601 design requirements
• Comfortable with CNC and CAM programming
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) and optical design software (e.g., Zemax)

Salary/Pay Range

Science is required under California law to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. We determine your level based on your interview performance and make an offer based on the indicated salary band. The base salary range for this full‑time position is $112,000 – $185,000 annually + equity + benefits. Within the range, individual pay is determined by several factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Please keep in mind that the equity portion of the offer is not included in these numbers.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and equity
• Medical, dental, vision and life insurance
• Flexible vacation and company‑paid holidays
• Healthy meals and snacks provided for non‑remote employees
• Paid parental, jury duty, bereavement, family care and medical leave
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, subsidized by Science
• Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k)

Science Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive workplace where contributions are valued and celebrated, and our employees thrive by being themselves and are inspired to do their best work.

We seek applicants of all backgrounds and identities, across race, color, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or parental status, or disability. Applicants will not be discriminated against based on these or other protected categories or social identities. Science will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws.