What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Mechanical Design Engineer position at Brightpath Associates LLC?
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer within the laser division, to play a key role in developing the next generation of ultra-high energy pulsed laser systems for fusion energy.
Typical design projects would include the design and development of solid-state laser hardware and systems, large-aperture opto-mechanical mounts and positioning systems, support structures, vacuum chambers and systems, thermal management systems, and test stands and diagnostics.
Responsibilities
- Gather and develop requirements for systems with stakeholders across all disciplines
- Conceptualize system architectures and concepts based on high-level requirements
- Lead small teams in the design of precision mechanical and opto-mechanical equipment and systems for IFE facilities
- Design mechanical, opto-mechanical, and electro-mechanical equipment and systems
- Validate design work with appropriate analysis (static and modal FEA, hand calculations, etc.)
- Present at design reviews to science and management stakeholders
- Work closely with other disciplines in the design and coordination of activities
- Integrate precision opto-mechanical, fluidic, and electrical hardware, designed both in-house and by subcontractors, into large-scale CAD assemblies that include facility BIM data
- Perform detailed component materials and finish specifications, manage technical data transfer to suppliers, inspect and qualify hardware following procurement
- Assemble prototype hardware; develop and execute test plans for subsystem performance validation
- Utilize large-scale CAD assemblies to provide assembly documentation and installation schedules for opto-mechanical and electrical systems
- Guide and mentor other engineers
Qualifications
- 10 years of experience as a mechanical design engineer
Required Skills
- Proven history of delivering novel and innovative solutions to challenging problems
- Proficiency with 3D CAD packages; SolidWorks (preferred), CREO, Autodesk Inventor, etc.
- Thorough knowledge of drafting, tolerance analysis, and Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)
- Demonstrated experience with FEA - Structural, Modal, Random Vibration with empirical validation
- Experience with CFD analysis with empirical validation (preferred)
- Practical knowledge of manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, welding) and design for manufacturability (DFM)
- Experience specifying components for precision design: linear stages, rotary motors, encoders, optical sensors, pneumatic components, vacuum components, etc.
- Full design lifecycle experience including design, procurement, assembly, and test of mechanical systems
- Experience with cleanroom procedures, high-voltage, and high-vacuum environments
- Experience designing laser systems or optical instruments
- Experience with Product Data Management Systems; SolidWorks PDM (preferred)
- Applicants should be able to work both autonomously as well as collaboratively to execute tasks in support of various teams within the company
- Due to the nature of this position, applicants must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents.