Mechanical Engineer Posting Number req26613
Department James C Wyant Coll Optical Sci
Department Website Link https://optics.arizona.edu/
Location Tucson Campus
Address Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights The James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences is seeking applicants for a Design Specialist that will create large opto-mechanical systems for the Optical Fabrication & Engineering Facility. *Due to ITAR/EAR restrictions the successful candidate must be a U.S. Citizen or hold permanent resident status.
Duties Summary:
- Creates opto-mechanical system designs meeting mechanical and optical requirements.
- Optimizes mechanical and optical performance of systems through iterative design processes including FEA, and thermal analysis.
- Performs tolerance analysis at system and subsystem level.
- Works with a design and engineering team to create full drawing packages with GD&T and detailed AIT (assembly, integration and testing) plans.
- Provides practical, hands-on skills in working with engineers and technicians in a lab environment.
- Works with vendors to manufacture parts, subsystems and systems per requirements, and works with peers and management.
- Creates technical documents such as reports, slides and plans.
- Support design reviews such as CoDR, PDR and CDR.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
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Duties & Responsibilities - Creates mechanical system designs meeting mechanical and optical requirements.
- Optimizes mechanical and optical performance of systems through iterative design processes including FEA, and thermal analysis.
- Creates technical documents such as reports, slides and plans.
- Support design reviews such as CoDR, PDR and CDR.
- Provides practical, hands-on skills in working with engineers and technicians in a lab environment.
- Works with vendors to manufacture parts, subsystems and systems per requirements, and works with peers and management.
- Performs tolerance analysis at system and subsystem level.
- Works with a design and engineering team to create full drawing packages with GD&T and detailed AIT (assembly, integration and testing) plans.
- Supports developing proposals.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):- Good understanding of engineering mechanics.
- Knowledge and skills in applying engineering principles and procedures to develop practical engineering solutions.
- Good understanding of fabrication process.
- Good understanding of dimensional measurement and QA process.
- 3D modeling using a CAD tool (Experience in Solidworks and PDMWorks preferred.)
- FEA modeling and analysis of Opto-mechanical system (Experience in Ansys preferred.).
- Design experience with opto-mechanical systems preferred.
- Geometric Dimensions and Tolerances per ASME Y14.5-2018 or ISO GPS
This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering OR equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
- At least 3 years of work experience.
- Due to ITAR/EAR restrictions the successful candidate must be a U.S. Citizen or hold permanent resident status.
Preferred Qualifications- Experience developing component, sub-system and system level drawings including assembly drawings preferred.
- Experience with presenting reports and summaries for management including problem reports, technical summaries, and design trade studies preferred.
- Familiarity with NASA workmanship standards is preferred.
FLSA Exempt
Full Time/Part Time Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week 40
Job FTE 1.0
Work Calendar Fiscal
Job Category Research
Benefits Eligible Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay $75,540 - $98,201
Compensation Type salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade 10
Compensation Guidance The
Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The
Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level PC2
Job Family Research Engineering
Job Function Research
Type of criminal background check required: Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies 1
Target Hire Date 9/28/2026
Expected End Date Contact Information for Candidates [email protected] Open Date 7/24/2026
Open Until Filled Yes
Documents Needed to Apply Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Special Instructions to Applicant 
