Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer - Sea-Bird Scientific

Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Reporting to the Director, Mechanical & Systems Engineering, the Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer is responsible for leading Sea-Bird’s technical design of optics and opto-mechanical systems, collaborating with the Science Team and external partners on new product development. The role serves as SME on emerging optical technologies and mentors engineers and technicians, driving complex problem solving and overseeing design of next‑generation optical sensors.

Bellevue, Washington (onsite).

• Design and analysis of opto-mechanical assemblies and optical systems that satisfy high precision alignment requirements.
• Bring product from concept phase—prototype, development, qualification, pilot run—up to mass production.
• Evaluate and select opto-mechanical components, working closely with cross-functional team and vendors to package optics in reliable, manufacturable, low-cost, high-yield modules.
• Characterize solutions for optical performance, stability, repeatability, and reliability through experiments and structured test plans.
• Troubleshoot complex technical opto-electro-mechanical development and production problems.
• Complete technical documents, including design specifications, test reports, BOM, work instructions, calibration procedures, etc.
• Lead assembly of initial Alpha and Beta prototype instruments, test sub-assemblies, and generate standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Support Production Engineering in developing manufacturing processes, quality control methods, and tooling to aid assembly and alignment of opto-mechanical systems.
• Coach, review, and delegate work to lower-level engineers and technicians.
• Serve as technical lead on large development projects.
• Lead cross-functional opto-mechanical design reviews, FMEA, and technology assessments.
• Report to senior management on results of test protocols and problem-solving efforts.
• Provide knowledge and information pertaining to opto-mechanics for strategic planning and technology evaluation.
• Willing to learn new technologies and track advances in opto-electro-mechanical community.
• Evaluate new approaches to existing methods to improve performance and manufacturability.

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent with a minimum of 10 years of directly relevant experience, OR MS with 8 years, OR Ph.D. with 5 years.
• Hands‑on experience with precision opto-mechanical design, assembly, and alignment, preferably in an instrumentation environment.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills and ability to learn quickly in a dynamic, fast-paced, multi-disciplinary environment.
• Strong working knowledge of 3D CAD software (Solid Works).
• Experience and knowledge of machine shop practices and practical use of tools.

• Flexible working hours
• Professional onboarding and training options
• Powerful team looking forward to working with you
• Career coaching and development opportunities
• Health benefits
• 401(k)

The compensation range for this role is $ - $ USD per year.

Sea-Bird Scientific is an EEO / AA employer and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.