Principal Mechanical Engineer- Precision & Optical Systems

Description This role is responsible for architecting complex precision mechanical systems that support advanced optical and imaging products. The Principal Engineer provides strategic technical direction, leads high-impact programs, mentors engineering staff, and ensures mechanical designs meet performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost objectives.

This position combines deep hands-on engineering expertise with cross-functional leadership and long-term technical vision.

Principal Duties And Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design efforts for optical systems and instruments.
• Serve as a system architect for optomechanical assemblies and opto-mechatronics.
• Drive product development from concept through manufacturing, including:
• System architecture and conceptualization
• Modeling and simulation
• Prototyping and laboratory testing
• Design and develop precision mechanical systems incorporating:
• High-precision motorized mechanisms
• Lens and mirror mounts (large and small)
• Flexures and kinematic mounts
• Metal castings, plastic moldings, and additive manufacturing
• Apply principles of Design for Manufacture and support production systems and automated material handling.
• Perform FEA analysis (static, modal, thermal) to validate designs.
• Utilize SolidWorks or similar CAD software for detailed design work.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure successful product realization.
• Participate hands-on in the build and test phases of your designs.
• Mentor senior and junior engineers; elevate overall engineering standards
• Serve as a technical representative in high-level customer or partner discussions

Qualifications & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering; master’s degree preferred.
• 15+ years of innovative work designing optomechanical assemblies and opto-mechatronics.
• Proven track record of precision mechanical system development, including design, analysis, and product realization.
• Expert-level knowledge in mechanical engineering principles.
• Experience with FEA (static, modal, thermal).
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Ability to innovate and apply new technologies or existing methods to solve complex design challenges.
• Strong communication skills to address technical issues with clarity and insight.
• Highly motivated and enjoys hands-on work.
• Project management experience is a plus, but technical contribution is the primary focus.

About Optikos For more than 40 years, Optikos® has provided innovative applications of optical technology, both products and services, to commercial, government, and consumer products organizations worldwide. The Optikos engineering team is the largest independent optical engineering group in the world, managing all aspects of instrument design, including optics, mechanics, electronics, and software systems, in addition to our in-house IQ Lab™ Services to benchmark and assess the performance of customer lens or camera systems. We develop innovative products in the life sciences, aerospace and defense, industrial, and consumer markets, and our experience with a wide variety of applications has enabled our staff to generate creative solutions to some of the most challenging optical problems. Our team continues to improve existing metrology product lines and develop new products that Optikos manufactures and installs around the globe.

If you are an enthusiastic, team-oriented individual looking for a challenge and the opportunity to continue to develop professionally, send us your resume.

This is a 100% in-office position located in our headquarters in Wakefield, Massachusetts. We offer competitive compensation packages along with a challenging and stimulating environment.

Optikos is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status. We do not sponsor employment visas for this position.