Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Photon Kinetics, Inc; Beaverton (OR); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Photon Kinetics is seeking a Measurement Engineer in Beaverton, OR to design and automate next-generation optical measurement systems and manufacturing subsystems supporting AI infrastructure. You will collaborate across mechanical, optical, electrical, and software teams to deliver high-precision instruments and automated test platforms.

The role emphasizes design-for-manufacture, prototyping, validation, and cross-functional teamwork, reporting to engineering leadership and aligning with

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• Minimum three years developing mechanical or electromechanical products, instrumentation, automation, or measurement equipment.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (CREO preferred) and design-for-manufacture fundamentals.
• Experience with prototyping, testing, and design validation.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to take full ownership of complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new precision measurement and automation systems.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to high-accuracy assemblies, motion systems, and instrument enclosures.
• Integrate motion control, sensors, and I/O into cohesive automated workflows.
• Manage projects from concept through release across multiple disciplines.
• Build and test prototypes; analyze results to guide development decisions.
• Support design transfer to manufacturing, including assemblies and calibration procedures.

Skills

3D CAD (CREO)

Mechanical design

Electromechanical systems

Prototyping & testing

Project management

Documentation

Python / LabVIEW scripting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CREO

Python

LabVIEW

Job description

Photon Kinetics is the world’s trusted standard in optical fiber testing and measurement solutions. For more than 40 years, our instruments have helped fiber and cable manufacturers deliver the performance that enables high-speed communication networks around the globe. 95% of the world’s optical fiber has been tested using our equipment. As the world moves deeper into AI-driven computing and hyperscale data centers, the demand for precise measurement and reliable optical infrastructure continues to grow. Photon Kinetics is applying its expertise in measurement science, automation, and precision systems to help build the connectivity backbone that powers the next generation of data and AI technologies.

Role Overview

The Measurement Engineer will play a key role in designing, automating, and developing next-generation optical measurement systems and automated manufacturing subsystems supporting AI infrastructure and data center connectivity. This hands-on engineering position requires collaboration across optical, electrical, mechanical, and software disciplines to create precision instruments and automated test platforms that set new standards in accuracy, reliability, and manufacturability. The role reports to theDirector of Engineering (Patrick Tourreau )and works closely with theProduct Director(Chris Luetje n) to align technical direction with evolving market opportunities.

What You Will Achieve in Year One

• System Innovation: Deliver at least one new subsystem - mechanical, automated, or both - that advances PK's optical measurement capabilities or manufacturing automation.
• Design Excellence: Improve design-for-manufacture and design-for-automation practices to reduce assembly time and increase system precision.
• Collaboration Impact: Build strong cross-functional relationships between engineering, manufacturing, and product management to accelerate development cycles.

Key Responsibilities

System Design & Development

• Design and develop new precision measurement and automation systems
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to design high-accuracy assemblies, motion systems, and instrument enclosures
• Integrate motion control, sensors, and instrument I/O into cohesive automated measurement and calibration workflows

Project Management & Execution

• Manage projects from concept through release, coordinating across mechanical, optical, electrical, and software disciplines
• Build and test prototypes; analyze results to guide development decisions

Manufacturing & Production Support

• Support design transfer to manufacturing, including definition of assemblies, automated calibration, and verification procedures
• Collaborate with suppliers and internal manufacturing to optimize cost, performance, and reliability
• Participate in design reviews and continuous improvement of PK's engineering practices

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical experience
• Minimum of three years of experience developing mechanical or electromechanical products, ideally in instrumentation, automation, or measurement equipment
• Proficiency in 3D CAD (CREO preferred) and strong understanding of design-for-manufacture principles
• Experience with prototyping, testing, and design validation
• Strong analytical, documentation, and communication skills
• Proven ability to take full ownership of complex projects

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with motion control, instrument integration, or automated test concepts
• Exposure to scripting or instrument control environments (e.g., Python, LabVIEW)
• Experience with optical or metrology systems

Why This Role Is Different

• Work on technologies that enable the next wave of AI and data center innovation
• Join a highly skilled, collaborative team where your designs move from concept to production quickly
• Have visibility and impact in a company recognized globally for engineering excellence and precision

Why Join Photon Kinetics

You’ll work on technologies that enable the next wave of AI and data center innovation. At Photon Kinetics, you’ll join a highly skilled, collaborative team where your contributions directly impact the products and relationships that connect the world. You’ll have visibility and influence in a company recognized globally for engineering excellence, precision, and trusted performance. We value different perspectives and problem-solving approaches. The best solutions come from teams that think differently.