Mechanical Engineer-Photonics
Department: Photonics Division
Location: Bedford, MA (On-site)
Reports To: Engineering Manager
Employment Type: Full-time
QCi is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and integrate precision mechanical modules and assemblies across multiple product lines. This role is centered on strong mechanical design fundamentals, advanced SolidWorks capability, hands-on hardware development, and the ability to learn new technologies quickly.
The successful candidate will contribute across the full product-development cycle, from concept development and prototyping through testing, qualification, and production. The engineer will collaborate with electrical, optical, manufacturing, and supplier teams to create practical, manufacturable solutions in an environment where technical requirements can evolve.
RESPONSIBILITIES- Design precision mechanical modules, assemblies, enclosures, fixtures, and packaging for electromechanical, optoelectronic, and photonics products.
- Develop 3D part models, assemblies, tolerance schemes, and detailed engineering drawings in SolidWorks.
- Translate concepts and evolving requirements into practical, manufacturable designs.
- Assess mechanical tradeoffs involving structural performance, thermal paths, material selection, electrical interconnect routing, and optical alignment sensitivity.
- Build, assemble, troubleshoot, and test mechanical and electromechanical prototypes and production hardware.
- Adapt designs based on test results, failure analysis, supplier feedback, manufacturing constraints, and customer requirements.
- Support DFM and DFA reviews and collaborate with machine shops, vendors, and contract manufacturers on custom machined, stamped, formed, and assembled components.
- Contribute to verification and qualification activities, including environmental, mechanical, and functional testing.
- Create and maintain engineering drawings, specifications, bills of materials, work instructions, and engineering change documentation.
- Independently manage assigned design tasks while collaborating across engineering and manufacturing disciplines.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE Required: - Bachelor's or master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Applied Physics, or a related field.
- 2+ years of mechanical design experience in product development or manufacturing.
- Strong proficiency in SolidWorks, including part modeling, assemblies, detailed drawings, tolerancing, and design iteration.
- Experience developing mechanical assemblies and converting concepts into manufacturable designs.
- Hands-on experience building, assembling, troubleshooting, and testing mechanical or electromechanical hardware.
- Strong problem-solving skills and demonstrated ability to adapt designs based on testing and manufacturing feedback.
- Ability to learn new products, materials, processes, technologies, and engineering domains quickly.
- Ability to work effectively across multiple engineering disciplines and independently drive tasks to completion.
- Clear written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred: - Experience with photonics, optics, RF, semiconductor packaging, optomechanical systems, medical devices, aerospace, robotics, automation, or other complex hardware products.
- Experience with hermetic or high-reliability packaging.
- Exposure to precision assembly environments such as cleanrooms, optical or semiconductor manufacturing, or medical-device production.
- Experience evaluating material-selection tradeoffs for manufacturability, reliability, performance, and cost.
- Experience considering mechanical, thermal, electrical, and optical subsystem interactions during product development.
- Experience working directly with machine shops, suppliers, and contract manufacturers.
Export Control: This position involves access to ITAR/EAR-controlled technical data. Candidates must qualify as U.S. persons (15 C.F.R. Part 772 / 22 C.F.R. 120.15).
Must be a United States Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident. Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above. Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
