Mechanical Engineer

Job Opening: Senior Mechanical Engineer MPDE

Location: Webster / Rochester, NY 14580
Job Type: Full-Time
Work Arrangement: On-Site
Experience Required: 5 8 Years
Education: Bachelor's Degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical field
Relocation Assistance: Available for eligible candidates
Travel: Less than 10%

Job Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Engineer MPDE to contribute to the design and development of next-generation precision optical connector systems used in AI infrastructure, hyperscale computing, and advanced connectivity applications.

The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in precision mechanical design, electro-mechanical systems, prototyping, advanced materials, and product development. This role involves designing high-precision fixtures, tooling, and automation systems while collaborating with optical engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure product performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

The position is currently based in Webster, NY, with a planned transition to a permanent Rochester location near the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT).

Key Responsibilities Precision Mechanical Design and Development

• Design high-precision alignment fixtures, tooling, and electro-mechanical systems for optical component placement, optical fiber alignment, and laser welding operations.

• Develop precision mechanical hardware and subsystems that meet demanding dimensional and performance requirements.

• Apply engineering principles to achieve sub-micron tolerances and support precision manufacturing processes.

• Evaluate and select appropriate metals, engineering plastics, and other materials for precision applications.

Automation Systems and Engineering

• Design, test, and validate custom motion control systems, robotics, vision systems, and pneumatic assemblies.

• Develop mechanical solutions that support automated manufacturing and assembly processes.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve equipment performance, repeatability, and operational efficiency.

Product Development and Prototyping

• Lead rapid prototyping activities from initial concepts through production-ready mechanical designs.

• Apply advanced manufacturing techniques to develop and refine mechanical components and assemblies.

• Support product development activities, ensuring designs meet performance, durability, and quality requirements.

• Incorporate design-for-manufacturability (DFM) principles into mechanical designs.

Testing and Validation

• Develop and implement mechanical test methodologies to evaluate connector performance, durability, and manufacturing quality.

• Conduct mechanical testing, load testing, and product characterization.

• Analyze test results and support continuous improvement initiatives.

• Apply statistical quality control methods to validate product consistency and reliability.

Documentation and Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Develop detailed 2D and 3D CAD models, technical drawings, work instructions, standard operating procedures (SOPs), workflow diagrams, and engineering documentation.

• Prepare documentation and test protocols to support commissioning of new systems and hardware.

• Collaborate with optical engineering, manufacturing, and quality teams to ensure mechanical designs meet technical and production requirements.

• Manage multiple engineering projects while balancing priorities, deadlines, and resource constraints.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.

• 5 8 years of experience in precision mechanical design and development.

• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software, such as SolidWorks, Siemens NX, or Creo.

• Hands-on experience working with metals and engineering plastics in precision applications.

• Strong understanding of precision engineering, tight tolerances, and precision manufacturing processes.

• Knowledge of material properties, thermal expansion, creep, and long-term material stability.

• Experience with mechanical test equipment, load testing, and validation methodologies.

• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving abilities.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to document and present technical concepts.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and deliver results within established timelines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in optics, photonics, optical connectors, or related technologies.

• Knowledge of finite element analysis (FEA).

• Experience with robotics, motion control systems, machine vision, and pneumatic assemblies.

• Familiarity with laser welding and precision optical fiber alignment.

• Experience supporting manufacturing automation, prototyping, and new product introduction.

Key Skills

• Precision Mechanical Engineering

• Mechanical Design and Product Development

• 3D CAD Modeling and Technical Drawings

• SolidWorks / Siemens NX / Creo

• Electro-Mechanical Systems

• Precision Fixtures and Tooling

• Robotics and Automation

• Motion Control and Machine Vision

• Metals and Engineering Plastics

• Prototyping and Manufacturing Processes

• Mechanical Testing and Validation

• Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

• Optical and Photonic Technologies

• Project Management and Cross-Functional Collaboration

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is a hands-on mechanical engineering professional who enjoys solving complex precision engineering challenges. They should be comfortable working across design, prototyping, testing, and manufacturing while collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to develop reliable, high-performance mechanical systems.

Candidates with experience in precision manufacturing, optical components, photonics, automation, or advanced connector technologies are especially encouraged to apply.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their updated resumes highlighting their relevant mechanical engineering experience, CAD proficiency, precision design expertise, and product development accomplishments.