Opto-Mechanical Engineer

SiLC Technologies, Inc; Monrovia (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401(k)

Job summary

SiLC Technologies, Inc., based in Monrovia, CA, is seeking an on-site Opto-Mechanical Engineer to lead the design of lidar optical modules and beam scanning systems. You will own optical subassembly mechanics, including athermalized mounts, bonded optics, and autofocus assemblies, and collaborate with optical, electrical, and firmware teams to create an integrated lidar solution.

The role emphasizes translating optical prescriptions into manufacturable mounts, developing active alignment

Qualifications

• MS in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) with 5+ years of relevant experience, or PhD with precision opto-mechanical research.
• Strong knowledge of opto-mechanics including athermalized mounts and autofocus movements.
• Experience with precision optical alignment and fixtures for opto-mechanical assembly.
• CTE-matched material selection for athermal opto-mechanical design.
• Experience with optical bonding techniques (UV-cure, epoxy) and adhesives.

Responsibilities

• Design opto-mechanical assemblies including mounts, optics, and autofocus mechanisms with focus on vibration control and stability.
• Translate optical prescriptions and tolerance budgets into manufacturable mechanical mounts and assembly sequences.
• Develop and qualify active alignment processes for free-space optics and photonic components.
• Design scanner mechanical structures and specify motors, bearings, slip rings, and encoders for high-performance rotational scanning.
• Build kinematic models of rotating scanner systems to characterize and compensate misalignment for sub-milli-degree accuracy.
• Collaborate with vendors to specify custom motor designs and select components for high-speed, long-life operation.

Skills

Opto-mechanics

Precision alignment

Kinematic modeling

GD&T

Motor/encoder selection

CTE material selection

Bonding/adhesives

SolidWorks

Education

MS in Mechanical Engineering or PhD with relevant opto-mechanical research

Tools

Zemax

ANSYS/SolidWorks Simulation

SolidWorks

Job description

SiLC is a silicon photonics and optical sensing company building next-generation coherent lidar solutions. We have an immediate opening for a full-time, on-site (in Monrovia, CA) Opto-Mechanical Engineer. This role is focused on the opto-mechanical design of lidar optical modules and beam scanning systems.The candidate will own the opto-mechanical design of optical subassemblies — including athermalized optical mounts, bonded optics, and autofocus assemblies — as well as the design of scanner subsystems, including specifying scanner motors, bearings, and encoders.This role will require close collaboration with optical, electrical, and firmware engineers to integrate optical assemblies and precision motion into the full lidar system.

Responsibilities:

• Design opto-mechanical assemblies including athermalized optical mounts, bonded optics, and autofocus mechanisms, with attention to vibration control and mechanical stability.
• Translate optical prescriptions and tolerance budgets from optical engineering (e.g., Zemax models) into manufacturable mechanical mounts and assembly sequences.
• Develop and qualify active alignment processes for free space optics and photonic components.
• Design scanner mechanical structures and specify motors, bearings, slip rings, and optical/magnetic encoders to achieve stable, high-performance rotational scanning.
• Build kinematic models of rotating scanner systems to characterize and compensate for rotation axis misalignment and other mechanical error sources, achieving sub-milli-degree angular accuracy.
• Work with motor and component vendors to specify custom motor designs; select bearings, slip rings, and encoders for high-speed, long-life applications.

Qualifications:

• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering (or related field) with 5+ years of relevant experience, or Ph.D. with relevant research in precision opto-mechanical systems.
• Strong knowledge of opto-mechanics, including athermalized mounts and autofocus mechanical movements.
• Experience with precision optical alignment and fixtures for opto-mechanical assembly.
• Knowledge of CTE-matched material selection for athermal opto-mechanical design.
• Experience with optical bonding techniques and adhesives (e.g., UV-cure, epoxy) for mounting optical components
• Familiarity with adhesive qualification considerations (outgassing, long-term creep, CTE compatibility) for optical bonding in operational environments.
• Strong knowledge of electro-mechanical hardware for precision beam scanning including motors, bearings, slip rings, and optical/magnetic encoders.
• Experience building kinematic models of rotating systems to achieve sub-milli-degree angular accuracy.
• Expert-level SolidWorks proficiency for mechanical design, detailing, and GD&T

Bonus Skills:

• Experience with Zemax or similar optical design software
• Experience with FEA tools (e.g., ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation) for structural, thermal, or dynamic analysis.
• Prior lidar, laser scanning, or optical sensing product experience
• PID control theory background with practical tuning experience for high-speed rotational stability.
• Dynamic balancing experience for high-speed rotating scanner assemblies
• Environmental/reliability testing exposure (thermal cycling, shock/vibe qualification)

Compensation

• Base salary: $100,000 - $130,000 based on experience level and qualifications
• Stock options
• Other benefits include health/vision/dental insurance, 401(k), etc.