Principal Mechanical Engineer

Our Principal Mechanical Engineer will have deep expertise in precision component design and manufacturing to lead the development of next-generation device-level Electro-Optic (EO) packaging solutions. This senior individual contributor role is critical for driving innovation in high-performance optical communication, sensing, LiDAR, or photonic integrated circuit (PIC) products.The Principal Mechanical Engineer is a technical leader who excels at designing ultra-precise mechanical components and packaging architectures that meet stringent optical alignment, thermal, mechanical stability, and reliability requirements in compact form factors.Preference will be given to candidates currently located within commutable distance to Salem, NH. This full-time, exempt, office-based role will be located in Salem, NH and will report to the CEO.Key Responsibilities Lead the mechanical design and development of precision electrooptic packages, including laser modules, photodetector assemblies, optical transceivers, and photonic subsystems. Design highprecision mechanical components (housings, mounts, alignment features, fiber coupling interfaces, and thermal management structures) with submicron level accuracy and stability. Perform detailed tolerance stackup analysis, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing), and mechanical FEA (structural, thermal, vibration, and shock). Develop advanced packaging concepts for electrooptic devices, including hermetic and nearhermetic sealing, active/passive optical alignment strategies, and CTEmatched material systems. Collaborate closely with Optical Engineers, Electrical Engineers, Process Engineers, and Materials Scientists to optimize optomechanical performance and manufacturability. Drive designformanufacturing (DFM) and designforassembly (DFA) strategies for precision components using CNC machining, micromachining, additive manufacturing, laser welding, and other advanced processes. Lead failure mode analysis (FMEA), reliability testing, and rootcause investigations for mechanical and packagingrelated issues. Mentor and technically guide junior and senior mechanical engineers on best practices in precision design and electrooptic packaging. Work with manufacturing and supply chain teams to transition designs from prototype to highvolume production while maintaining precision and yield targets. Stay current with emerging technologies in photonic packaging, microoptics, and advanced materials. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (PhD preferred). 10+ years of relevant industry experience in precision mechanical design and manufacturing. Strong background in devicelevel ElectroOptic or Photonic packaging (highly preferred). Expertlevel proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks, Creo, or NX) and simulation tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, or COMSOL). Deep knowledge of precision engineering principles, including: o Submicron alignment and positioning mechanismsKinematic design and flexure mechanisms oThermal management in compact optical packagesMaterial selection for optical stability (low CTE, low outgassing) Proven experience with precision manufacturing processes (5axis CNC, EDM, laser micromachining, diamond turning, etc.). Strong understanding of GD&T per ASME Y14.5 and statistical tolerance analysis. Experience with fiber systems including fiberoptic modules manufacturing. Comfortable with driving vendors to meet design requirements. Background in aerospace, defense, medical device, or semiconductor capital equipment (precision motion systems). Handson experience with optical alignment automation, active alignment systems, or laser welding processes. Familiarity with reliability standards (Telcordia, MILSTD, JEDEC). Track record of taking precision mechanical designs from concept through successful volume production. Misc: Able to lift up to 25lbs Travel up to 10% as needed