Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer

The Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer will serve as Sea-Bird’s technical lead within Engineering on optics and opto-mechanical design and will collaborate closely with our Science Team and external collaborators on technology and new product development projects involving optical sensing.

The position reports to the Director of Mechanical & Systems Engineering and is located in 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, work closely with cross‑functional team and vendors to package optics in reliable, manufacturable, low‑cost, and 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 subassemblies, and generate standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Support Production Engineering in the development of manufacturing processes, quality control methods, and tooling to aid in 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 to strategic planning and technology evaluation efforts.
• 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 an MS with 8 years of directly relevant experience, OR a Ph.D. with 5 years of directly relevant experience.
• Hands‑on experience with precision opto‑mechanical design, assembly, and alignment, preferably in an instrumentation environment.
• Excellent problem‑solving and analytical skills and the ability to learn quickly in a dynamic, fast‑paced, and 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 (sex), gender identity, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by law.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform crucial job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

The EEO posters are available.