Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer supports the mechanical design, analysis, prototyping, testing, documentation, and release processes for leading-edge Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs). This role involves a full spectrum of product development from concept through to commercialization. Ideal candidates will have experience in precision mechanical design, optical and opto-mechanical design, mechatronics, and sub-micron motion control. This position requires strong initiative, effective cross-functional teamwork, a hands-on approach, and deep technical expertise. Candidates should be self-starters capable of setting and achieving goals with minimal supervision and possess high attention to detail.

Responsibilities:

• Define overall mechanical requirements, architecture, interfaces, and theory of operation.
• Convert high-level system requirements into subsystem specifications.
• Evaluate alternative design approaches through analysis, modeling, and trade studies.
• Perform mechanical design, analysis, hands-on prototyping, and system integration.
• Select mechanical components based on function, availability, reliability, and cost.
• Collaborate with functional teams and OEM suppliers to meet design requirements and ensure designs are reliable, manufacturable, serviceable, and testable.
• Develop test plans and methodologies to verify performance against requirements.
• Design test fixtures to ensure compliance with product and manufacturing specifications.
• Create product documentation, including BOMs, fabrication files, and assembly drawings.
• Provide technical troubleshooting and failure analysis.
• Document project decisions and communicate with cross-functional teams.
• Serve as the technical interface with third-party development partners and vendors to ensure quality.

Essential Skills:

• Experience in mechanical design, precision mechanical design, high stiffness, and thermal stability.
• Proficiency in FEA and mechanical design experience in production settings.
• Knowledge of opto-mechanical design, mechatronics, and sub-micron motion control.
• Expertise in precision machining, sheet metal fabrication, plastic injection molding, welding, and casting.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks and troubleshooting skills.

Additional Skills & Qualifications:

• Experience in a scientific instrumentation company is preferred.

Work Environment:

This position is onsite five days a week with flexible hours from 6:00 am to 3:30 pm or 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, accommodating traffic. Candidates should be within a commutable distance or accustomed to commuting. The work culture is professional and offers full benefits once hired directly, including holiday, vacation, and sick pay.

Job Type & Location:

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of SANTA BARBARA, CA.

Pay and Benefits:

The pay range for this position is $125000.00 - $160000.00/hr. Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type:

This is a fully onsite position in SANTA BARBARA, CA.

Application Deadline:

This position is anticipated to close on Dec 31, 2025.

About Actalent:

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.