Mechanical Design Engineer II​/III

POSITION INFORMATION

• Department / Function Engineering – IPG Defense
• Reports To Chief Engineer
• Work Location Huntsville, AL
• Employment Type Full-time (Exempt)
• Travel Less than 10%.
• Security / Clearance Not required; active DoD security clearance preferred.

IPG Defense, a stand-alone business of IPG Photonics, was incorporated in 2026 to provide direct support for defense products. Headquartered in Huntsville, AL, IPG Defense is bringing commercial scale to laser defense systems, leveraging IPG Photonics’ 36 years of experience in fiber laser technology. Our mission: develop and deliver the most advanced, next-generation laser defense solutions for military and civilian use - systems that accurately and reliably detect, track, target, and neutralize threats.

IPG Photonics is the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance fiber lasers and amplifiers for diverse applications in numerous markets. Founded in 1990, IPG pioneered the development and commercialization of optical fiber-based lasers — a critical technology in our high-energy laser (HEL) systems, including the CROSSBOW program.

Your skills and experience will play a key role in shaping our growing organization, building our capabilities, and delivering on our mission. Join us and build a career that will shape the future of laser defense.

IPG Defense is seeking a Mechanical Design Engineer to design and document ruggedized mechanical and opto-mechanical hardware for advanced directed-energy systems and military platforms. Working in Solid Works from concept through production release, this mid-to-senior-level role owns detailed design, drafting, and data management for parts and assemblies that must perform in demanding field environments — and works hand-in-hand with machine shops, additive manufacturing, and integration teams to get hardware built right.

Level (II or III) will be determined based on the candidate’s experience and qualifications.

• Create detailed 3D CAD models, assemblies, and production drawings in Solid Works, applying GD&T and dimensional tolerancing best practices.
• Prepare and maintain engineering drawings, drawing templates, and release packages; execute drawing releases and revisions through formal configuration control.
• Manage design data in Solid Works PDM, including file structure, revision control, and BOM accuracy.

• Design opto-mechanical mounts, beam-delivery structures, and precision alignment features for high-energy laser systems.
• Design sealed, ruggedized enclosures and electronics packaging for harsh operating environments (thermal, shock, vibration, ingress).
• Perform tolerance stack-up analyses to verify fit, alignment, and performance.

• Work directly with machine shops on design-for-manufacturability, quoting, and fabrication issues; incorporate shop feedback into designs.
• Use additive manufacturing and in-house 3D printers for rapid prototyping, fixtures, and tooling.
• Support prototype builds, system integration, and acceptance testing; troubleshoot fabrication and assembly issues and implement corrective actions.

• Participate in design reviews, trade studies, and technical interchange meetings.
• Support engineering change orders and design modifications through production and sustainment.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• 3–7 years of mechanical design experience with complex mechanical systems, ruggedized equipment, or similar demanding applications.
• Proficiency in Solid Works, including detailed drafting, engineering drawings, and GD&T.
• Experience…