Mechanical Engineer II

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer II (Opto-Mechanical)

Location: Santa Clara, CA (onsite)

Group: Opto-Mechanical Engineering

Role Summary:

We are seeking an experienced and highly hands‑on Mechanical Engineer II to lead part‑level mechanical design efforts for the modernization of CRDS (Cavity Ring‑Down Spectroscopy) gas analyzers. This role is heavily focused on Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA), with direct responsibility for taking precision mechanical components and subassemblies from concept through production release.

The ideal candidate is a strong individual contributor with deep expertise in mechanical design, materials selection, manufacturing processes, and production transition. You will work closely with machine shops, contract manufacturers, and cross‑functional partners to ensure designs are robust, manufacturable, verifiable, and scalable.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Mechanical Design & Development

• Own part‑level and subassembly mechanical design for next‑generation and modernized CRDS gas analyzer platforms, from early concept through production release.
• Apply DFM/DFA principles throughout the design process to reduce part count, simplify assembly, improve yield, and lower cost.
• Design precision mechanical components including machined parts, sheet metal, castings, and assemblies requiring tight tolerances.
• Select appropriate materials and surface treatments considering performance, manufacturability, cost, environmental exposure, and long‑term reliability.

Manufacturing & Supplier Collaboration

• Work directly with local machine shops and contract manufacturers to review designs, iterate for manufacturability, and resolve fabrication issues.
• Support supplier sourcing, quote reviews, and vendor technical discussions.
• Verify that fabricated parts and assemblies meet engineering drawings and specifications, including hands‑on inspection and fit checks.

Prototyping, Build & Tooling

• Build and debug mechanical subassemblies and prototypes, supporting alpha, beta, and pilot builds.
• Design precision tooling, fixtures, gauges, and assembly stations to support repeatable manufacturing and testing.
• Define assembly sequences and support development of work instructions and SOPs in collaboration with manufacturing teams.

CAD, Drawings & Data Management

• Create detailed mechanical drawings (ASME Y14.5) including GD&T, tolerance stacks, and manufacturing notes.
• Develop and manage CAD models using SolidWorks, including top‑down and bottom‑up design approaches.
• Follow best practices for SolidWorks PDM, including file structure, version control, release workflows, and revision management.

Simulation, Analysis & Verification

• Use simulation and engineering analysis as part of the design strategy, including stress, fatigue, structural, thermal analysis with reliability considerations and life modeling
• Support and interpret results from environmental testing, including shock, vibration, and thermal cycling.
• Collaborate with test and systems engineers to correlate analytical predictions with empirical results.

NPI & Production Transition

• Lead mechanical aspects of New Product Introduction (NPI) from prototype through pilot and production ramp.
• Support design transfer to manufacturing, including ECOs, drawing releases, and production readiness reviews.
• Assist with production issue resolution, root cause analysis, and corrective actions during early manufacturing.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design for precision instrumentation, electromechanical products, or similar hardware systems.
• Demonstrated expertise in DFM/DFA, tolerance analysis, and production‑oriented design.
• Strong hands‑on experience working with machine shops and manufacturers.
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks and experience using SolidWorks PDM in a controlled engineering environment.
• Solid understanding of materials selection, manufacturing processes, and finishing techniques.
• Experience performing and interpreting mechanical simulations and analyses.
• Experience with environmental qualification testing (shock, vibration, thermal).
• Proven success transitioning products from NPI to production.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with gas analyzers, analytical instruments, or opto‑mechanical systems.
• Familiarity with clean‑room or contamination‑sensitive assemblies.
• Experience designing tooling and assembly stations for low‑ to mid‑volume production.
• Strong documentation, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Salary & Benefits

The base salary range for this full-time position is $120000 to $130000. Our total compensation packages include base salary, bonus eligibility, and equity. Your base salary range and title will be determined based on the location, experience, qualification, skills, knowledge, level, and pay of employees in similar positions.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) plans
• Life, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
• Employee Referral Program
• 401K
• Social events (summer picnic, holiday party, team lunches, etc.)
• On-site Health & Wellness programs (fitness challenges, outdoor bootcamp, flu-shots, etc.)

About Picarro:

We are the world's leader in timely, trusted, and actionable data using enhanced optical spectroscopy. Our solutions are used in a wide variety of applications, including natural gas leak detection, ethylene oxide emissions monitoring, semiconductor fabrication, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, atmospheric science, air quality, greenhouse gas measurements, food safety, hydrology, ecology, and more. Our software and hardware are designed and manufactured in Santa Clara, California and are used in over 90 countries worldwide based on over 65 patents related to cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technology and are unparalleled in their precision, ease of use, and reliability.

At Picarro, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, protected veteran status, gender identity, social orientation, or disability. Posted positions are not open to third-party recruiters/agencies, and unsolicited resume submissions will be considered free referrals.

At Picarro, we strive to ensure that all individuals, regardless of their abilities, have equal opportunities. If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need analternative method for applying, please contact Picarro, Inc. at disabilityassistance@picarro.com for assistance.