Mechanical Design Engineer - Military veterans preferred

Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer

Reports To: Optics/Systems Engineering Manager

Grade: 12

Summary

We are seeking an experienced and innovative Mechanical Design Engineer to join our engineering team at a senior level. The successful candidate will lead the design, development, and testing of advanced mechanical components and systems, with a strong emphasis on research, development, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. This role requires demonstrated expertise in product development, project leadership, and the ability to mentor junior engineers, while working closely with manufacturing and quality teams to ensure designs meet performance, cost, and manufacturing objectives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead complex analytical work in machine design, dynamics, fluid mechanics, and magnetics. 
  • Oversee and create detailed mechanical designs using Creo CAD software; guide prototype development and ensure designs meet advanced functional, performance, and cost requirements. 
  • Drive precision engineering initiatives, including flexure design, kinematic repeatability, optical mounting, and thermal management. 
  • Identify and implement improvements to existing products by analyzing performance and reliability, incorporating feedback from production, customer service, and field data. 
  • Conduct and supervise simulations, stress analysis, and physical testing to verify design performance; ensure compliance with relevant standards and regulations. 
  • Manage and run test stands and machines, conduct experiments, and build engineering prototypes; oversee the execution of new product development prototype experiments for mechanical/electrical/thermal/fluid systems. 
  • Utilize and train others on sophisticated metrology equipment, including laser position measurement, ball-bar motion equipment, rotation measurement, temperature, fluid flow, and pressure measurement devices. 
  • Write and review concise test reports with justifiable conclusions and recommendations; present findings to cross-functional teams and leadership. 
  • Collaborate with external suppliers and vendors to ensure materials and components meet required specifications; lead supplier development initiatives as needed. 
  • Foster frequent communication and open brainstorming with team members; mentor junior engineers and interns. 
  • Focus on research and development: Lead innovative research to develop new technologies and improve existing products. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to explore new ideas and methodologies. Drive R&D projects to advance technological capabilities and maintain a competitive edge in the industry. 
  • Stay up to date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices; proactively suggest and implement improvements in design processes and tools. 

Qualifications: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to carry out each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience – Minimum B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or Technology with 7+ years of relevant work experience (MS or PhD preferred); or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Advanced familiarity with motion systems as related to mechanical design.
• Advanced understanding of mechanical systems, materials science, and manufacturing processes. 
• Demonstrated expertise with measurement tools, data acquisition systems, and sensors. 
• Proven experience with Geometrical Dimensioning and Tolerancing methods; Six Sigma certification preferred. 
• Significant experience in precision engineering, mounting of optics, thermal expansion, and flexure design. 

Computer Skills: Proficiency in PTC Creo or other 3D CAD software; advanced skills in Excel, Mini-Tab, and data analysis tools.  Basic word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software skills are required.

Technical – 

• Strong technology perspective, particularly related to the manufacture of complex machinery (e.g., CNC machines, machine motion, etc.). 
• Expertise in tolerance analysis, stress analysis, FEA (Finite Element Analysis), and thermal management techniques. 
• Experience leading projects and mentoring junior engineers. 
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to present technical information to global audiences.

Travel – Periodic, infrequent travel may be required. The ability to travel is a requirement for this position.  Must have ability to communicate effectively globally.

Salary Range: $80,000-$115,000.  The salary offered will be determined by the candidate's education, experience and other qualifications, considering internal equity among current employees with similar skills and experience.

QED is an Equal Opportunity Employer