Lead Mechanical Design Engineer

OPT Industries develops a new class of manufacturing systems for producing metamaterials materials and precision components. Our platform combines roll-to-roll processing and photolithography to manufacture products across industry verticals.

We are looking for a Lead Mechanical Design Engineer to design and build key subsystems of our manufacturing platforms. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building real machines, moving quickly from concept to hardware, and solving problems in a fast-paced startup environment.

• Develop industrial machinery and submodule architectures from concept through prototype and scaling.
• Design and work with precision web handling and fluid transport systems.
• Integrate motors, sensors, optical subsystems and control hardware with electrical and software teams.
• Rapidly prototype, test, troubleshoot, and iterate designs.
• Generate CAD models, drawings, BOMs and work instruction for fabrication and assembly.
• Source parts and components and work with suppliers to achieve competitive cost and reliable supply.
• Support machine assembly, debugging, and deployment.

• 5+ years mechanical design experience in industrial robotics, and/or manufacturing machinery.
• Direct experience with web handling / roll-to-roll systems (tension control, rollers, tracking, transport).
• Experience in fluid handling systems (pumps, tubing, manifolds, filtration, dispensing).
• Proficiency with Solid Works or similar CAD tools.
• Experience sourcing components and working with vendors to optimize cost, lead time, and manufacturability.
• Hands‑on experience building and debugging prototypes.

• Builder mindset: enjoys turning ideas into working machines.
• Practical problem solver who can balance engineering rigor with speed and iteration.
• Willing to work closely with the production floor instead of an isolated lab.