Mechanical Design Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer – Scientific Products

Location: Sturbridge, MA 01566

Pay: $120,000 a year

Job Type: Direct Hire

We are seeking a highly motivated Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the development of innovative products and systems supporting advanced fiber optic, optical, and scientific applications. This role is responsible for the complete product lifecycle, from concept generation and feasibility studies through detailed design, prototyping, testing, validation, and transition to manufacturing.

Working within a specialized scientific and precision manufacturing environment, the Mechanical Design Engineer will apply strong mechanical engineering fundamentals, materials knowledge, and systems-level thinking to develop reliable, high-performance solutions that meet demanding technical, environmental, and manufacturability requirements.

This position collaborates closely with Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Production teams to ensure successful product industrialization and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on engineer who enjoys solving complex technical challenges while balancing innovation, performance, quality, cost, and schedule objectives.

• Lead new product development activities from concept through production release.
• Design and develop precision mechanical systems, components, tooling, fixtures, and equipment.
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, engineering drawings, and product documentation.
• Select appropriate materials, components, and manufacturing processes to meet performance and reliability requirements.
• Apply Design for Manufacturability (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), and Design for Reliability (DFR) principles.
• Conduct engineering analysis, tolerance studies, and risk assessments to support design decisions.
• Lead design reviews and verification/validation activities to ensure products meet specifications and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with manufacturing teams to support prototype builds, process development, and production launches.
• Manage multiple engineering projects, priorities, schedules, and deliverables.
• Troubleshoot design, manufacturing, and product performance issues using structured root cause analysis methods.
• Maintain Bills of Material (BOMs), engineering change documentation, and document control processes.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on product performance, quality, reliability, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Evaluate and implement innovative technologies and manufacturing methods, including additive manufacturing, where applicable.

• Associates or Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline.
• 3 –10 years of mechanical design and product development experience.
• Proven experience leading products through the full development lifecycle from concept to production.
• Strong project management and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Advanced proficiency with CAD software and solid modeling techniques.
• Experience with Autodesk Inventor or willingness to complete Autodesk Inventor training.
• Strong understanding of machining, fabrication, assembly, and manufacturing processes.
• Deep knowledge of Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience creating engineering drawings, specifications, BOMs, and technical documentation.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and troubleshooting skills.

• Experience in fiber optics, photonics, scientific instrumentation, precision manufacturing, or related high‑technology industries.
• Experience with additive manufacturing technologies.
• Knowledge of materials selection, environmental testing, and reliability engineering.
• Familiarity with product verification, validation, and qualification testing.
• Experience supporting products in regulated or highly controlled manufacturing environments.

• Successfully lead new product development programs from concept through production release.
• Deliver designs that meet performance, quality, cost, and manufacturability objectives.
• Reduce design iteration cycles through effective upfront engineering, risk mitigation, and validation planning.
• Drive strong cross‑functional collaboration to support efficient product industrialization.
• Improve product reliability and performance through design enhancements and continuous improvement efforts.
• Introduce innovative design approaches, technologies, or manufacturing methods that create measurable business value.