Mechanical Engineer

Special Optics is seeking a skilled Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and support complex opto‑mechanical systems used in advanced optical applications. In this role, you will guide concepts from early collaboration with optical engineers and clients all the way through manufacturable designs, documentation, and prototype build support.

This position provides a mix of hands‑on engineering, design ownership, client interaction, and cross‑functional collaboration with our in‑house polishing, coating, machining, and assembly teams.

Key Responsibilities:

• Transform early‑stage concepts into manufacturable opto‑mechanical designs in collaboration with clients and optical engineering staff.
• Develop accurate 3D models and prototypes using SolidWorks or similar CAD tools.
• Lead and support design reviews with customers to ensure all requirements and constraints are met.
• Own mechanical design for new products and contribute to updates of legacy designs under guidance from Senior Engineers. Create and maintain engineering documentation, including detail drawings, assemblies, BOMs, and work instructions, to ensure manufacturability and repeatable quality.
• Partner with Sales during quotation phases to evaluate feasibility, identify risk areas, and ensure accurate cost and effort estimation.
• Conduct engineering analyses to evaluate design alternatives and recommend optimized solutions.
• Develop fixture designs and application‑specific test procedures for both new and existing products.
• Ensure all deliverables meet defined quality and performance standards.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in creating and interpreting detailed drawings to ASME Y14.5M standards.
• Ability to assess tolerance stack‑ups and ensure functional, manufacturable designs.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills for collaboration across teams and with clients.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, collaborate effectively, and solve problems in a team‑oriented environment.
• Self‑motivated and comfortable working with minimal supervision when needed.
• Hands‑on engineering mindset-capable of assembling, testing, and troubleshooting prototypes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software and methods.
• Experience with thermal analysis software and heat‑transfer simulation methods.
• Knowledge of optical design principles and opto‑mechanical system behavior.
• Familiarity with both subtractive and additive manufacturing processes.
• Ability to perform metrology tasks using tools such as CMMs.
• Experience in machining (CAM programming, milling, turning) is a plus.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
• 3+ years of engineering experience in a design or manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in micron‑level mechanical assembly design and precision engineering.

Compensation

Employee Type: Salaried

Salary Minimum: $80,000

Salary Maximum: $105,000

Incentive: No

Disclaimer: Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.

For more information on AMETEK's competitive benefits, please click here.

AMETEK, Inc. is a leading global provider of industrial technology solutions serving a diverse set of attractive niche markets with annual sales over $7.5 billion.

AMETEK is committed to making a safer, sustainable, and more productive world a reality. We use differentiated technology solutions to solve our customers' most complex challenges. We employ 22,000 colleagues, in 35 countries, that are grounded by our core values: Ethics and Integrity, Respect for the Individual, Inclusion, Teamwork, and Social Responsibility. AMETEK is a component of the S&P 500. Visit https://www.ametek.com/careers for more information.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 (866) 263-8359.

Nearest Major Market: New Jersey