Mechanical Engineer

Job Description ABOUT LUNAAt Luna Innovations Incorporated (Luna), we measure and manage light. Our Optics & Polarization product line, based out of Chino, CA, specializes in industry-leading components, modules, and test equipment for the characterization and control of optical polarization. Our instruments—ranging from dynamic optical delay/phase management, high-speed polarization state management, full function polarization light analyzer—are critical for optical communications, fiber optic sensing, silicon photonics testing and new generation photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and ASIC hybrid/co-packaging (CPO).WHY THIS ROLE MATTERSPrecision optical instruments don't just need great optics—they need mechanical designs that protect and position those optics, manage heat in increasingly compact enclosures, and hold tight tolerances across optical, electrical, and mechanical interfaces. As Luna's product line expands and our systems become denser and more capable, the mechanical engineer on the team is the person who makes sure everything fits, functions, and lasts.This is a hands-on, design-driven role with real ownership. You'll work across the full product development lifecycle—from early concept and SolidWorks modeling through prototyping, test fixture design, and release to production—alongside optical scientists, electrical engineers, and manufacturing teams who care deeply about getting it right.WHAT YOU'LL DOMechanical Design & System IntegrationDesign instrument enclosures for electro-optical systems across form factors—desktop, rackmount, and hand-heldDrive system-level integration across optical, electrical, and mechanical domains—working closely with a multi-disciplinary team to ensure components and subsystems are physically compatible, properly aligned, and optimized for manufacturability and performanceDevelop mechanical packaging solutions that accommodate precision optical assemblies, PCBs, connectors, and cabling within constrained form factors while maintaining optical path integrity and serviceabilityDefine and manage mechanical interfaces and tolerance stack-ups to ensure reliable alignment and repeatable assembly across optical and electromechanical subassembliesApply thermal modeling to design high-performance compact products—as our systems become increasingly dense, airflow cooling and thermal management are critical to product reliability and performanceTest, Fixtures & ManufacturingDesign fixtures and processes for testing optical test and measurement assembliesCreate procedures for the construction and assembly of measurement instrumentCollaborate with manufacturing and operations teams to support productionREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSBachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related fieldMechanical engineering experience preferred; role level commensurate with experienceProficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar) for product and system designExcellent communication, technical writing, analytical, and interpersonal skillsAbility to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative, cross-functional environmentDESIRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience with laboratory test equipment (gauges, thermocouples, etc.)Experience with photonic packagingExperience with optics prisms, cubes, fiber optic componentry and cablingExperience with standardized testing protocols (IP rating, MIL-STD-810G, etc.)Experience with NPI processes in a low-to-medium volume, high-mix manufacturing environmentExperience with Ansys Fluent (or similar) software for thermal modelingWHY LUNAHere's what you can expect:Competitive compensation & benefits: comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus a company-sponsored 401(k) with employer matchInvest in your growth: tuition assistance, professional development funding, and support for industry training and certificationsWork that matters: the designs you create will directly determine the performance and reliability of instruments used in aerospace, defense, telecommunications, and cutting-edge researchInnovation-driven culture: join a team where engineering rigor is valued, cross-functional collaboration is the norm, and you'll see your work go from concept to productionChino, California location: Experience the best of Southern California — just 35 miles from Los Angeles, with year-round sunshine, easy access to mountain and beach destinations, and a welcoming, family-friendly community in the heart of the Inland Empire, without the coastal price tag.Luna Innovations is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Luna provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, genetic information, or veteran status. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. Luna expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment or discrimination.