Principal Mechanical Engineer

Company Overview

Aliph Medical, Inc. is a purpose-driven medical-device startup. We are developing a true all-in-one full-eye ocular diagnostic platform based on the state-of-the-art Swept-Source Optical Coherence Tomography paired with advanced AI analytics. The platform caters to ophthalmology, optometry, and oculomics applications. We believe all patients deserve to receive the best level of care. We have the technologies, tools, determination, and people to achieve our ambitious goal. 

Position Overview

We are seeking a highly experienced highly motivated mechanical engineer with optomechanical experience design and develop robust mechanical systems for a novel ophthalmic medical device. The role is responsible for the mechanical architecture of the product, and its detailed design, development, and optimization.

As the engineer in this role, you will need to have intimate knowledge of various aspects of mechanical engineering. You will be at the forefront acting as the primary authority over the design of the optomechanics, mechanisms, actuators, structure, and skins of the product. We have very little existing mechanical designs - this is a role for someone who wants to make a real difference developing the world’s best ophthalmic platform. You need to be a self-starter, comfortable with a fast-paced workplace, able to manage external contractors, able to achieve goals within a high-level of ambiguity, work across functional lines, and take a hands-on approach to explore and find optimal solutions. 

Key Responsibilities

• Architect the mechanical assembly supporting free-space optical system comprised of static and moving optical element, as well as actuators
• Own the design of other subsystems including device structure, skins, cable routing, thermal management, and tooling design. Make the design yourself and manage external contractors
• Desing the mechanical subsystem and parts using SolidWorks
• Design for reasonable cost without reliance of expensive material or fabrication techniques unless absolutely needed
• Prototype the subsystems and systems using the appropriate fabrication techniques
• Plan and execute characterization studies as needed per subsystem. This includes image quality, alignment sensitivity, and environmental sensitivity
• Troubleshoot and root-cause performance issues, including stray light, focus drift, CTE mismatch, and assembly variation
• Partner with the various R&D disciplines to ensure proper integration and performance
• Support documentation required for regulated medical devices (DHFs, design verification protocols, risk analyses, engineering change orders)
• Define assembly processes and tolerances for volume production
• Develop DFM/DFA strategies with suppliers and manufacturing partners
• Substantially contribute to transfer to manufacturing, including vendor selection, tooling decisions, and assembly processes
• Present design reviews and contribute technical expertise to program planning

Minimum Qualifications

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field
• 7 years of experience designing mechanical and optomechanical systems
• Strong SolidWorks experience with GD&T, tolerance analysis, and precision design
• Proven experience with mounting for optics components and subassemblies where mechanical positioning tolerances and adjustments/locking mechanisms are specified
• Proven experience with precision actuators
• Proven experience with instrument structure design with optical stability and repeatability
• Experience with optical alignment, metrology tools, and optical bench setup
• Hands-on experience in prototype development and troubleshooting
• Strong understanding of DFM for small-form-factor and precision assemblies
• Desired: experience with imaging systems, lasers, fiber optics
• Desired: experience in regulated industries (medical device, biotech, or similar)
• Desired: knowledge of medical device development lifecycle (ISO 13485, IEC-60601, FMEA, and risk management)
• Able to balance theoretical rigor with practical engineering judgment
• Comfortable working with ambiguity. Comfortable working in a collaborative and demanding early-stage R&D and production environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, especially for complex, multidisciplinary systems
• Strong communication and documentation skills
• Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to details, and ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment
• Willing to go out of your comfort zone and take multi tasks beyond your routine work within your function
• High level of integrity and accountability
• Hands-on and detail-oriented