Mechanical Engineer

To be considered for this position a Cover Letter MUST be submitted with your resume

Äpre Instruments Background

ÄPRE is an active driver in the global optics revolution that is transforming our daily lives in communications, life sciences, aerospace, security, commercial electronics and entertainment. ÄPRE recognizes that manufacturing optics is challenging. Our mission is to provide our customers with the measurement tools needed to meet their demanding requirements; while making their job less stressful and lowering overall production costs. We achieve this goal by providing state of the art surface and wavefront interferometers, service, support and consulting on interferometer usage and applications.

JOB DESCRIPTION **Summary/Objective

Your Job would be to design, analyze, and implement the mechanical components and systems for ÄPRE's precision optical instruments. This includes developing mechanical designs for opto-mechanical assemblies, enclosures, and test fixtures, ensuring they meet performance, manufacturability, and cost targets. The Mechanical Engineer collaborates closely with the optical, electrical, and manufacturing teams to ensure seamless integration and product quality. This position requires hands-on involvement from concept through production release.

Essential Functions

• Design mechanical components and assemblies for new and existing optical systems and instrumentation using SolidWorks.
• Perform engineering analysis (e.g., thermal, vibration, tolerance analysis, FEA) to ensure design reliability and performance under operating conditions.
• Develop product Bill of Materials (BOMs) that are accurate and manufacturable.
• Generate detailed engineering drawings in accordance with established specifications and GD&T standards for manufacturing vendors and in-house production.
• Build, test, and troubleshoot prototypes and custom products to validate designs and resolve mechanical issues.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanical, optical, and electrical subsystems.
• Develop test plans and perform qualification testing on mechanical designs.
• Maintain and communicate base file structure and design history within a project.

An ideal candidate will have the following skills and experience:

• BS in Mechanical engineering or related discipline.
• Experience in designing and analyzing opto-mechanical systems, including kinematic and structural elements.
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) and PDM systems.
• Experience in Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance analysis.
• Familiarity with various manufacturing processes (e.g., CNC machining, 3D printing, Laser Cutting, Wire EDM).
• Familiarity with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for structural simulations.
• Ability to work independently on assigned projects and manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills for clear documentation.
• Be fluent in English: Speaking, reading and writing.

Supervisory Responsibility

None

Work Environment

This position operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms and build prototype instrumentation.

Position Type and Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time position. Days and hours of work are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel

Potential local travel is required

Work Authorization/Security Clearance

US Citizen, "Green Card" or permanent residency required

AAP/EEO Statement

ÄPRE is an EEO employer

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Pay: $80, $90,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person