Mechanical Engineer - Optomechanics (f/m/x)

Freeform

OPTO-MECHANICAL BUILD ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits. In this role, you will be responsible for leading the development and deployment of custom opto-mechanical systems for the world’s most advanced metal 3D printing systems. You will establish and scale processes for how we build, assemble, align, and integrate opto-mechanical systems. You will work with high-power lasers, high-speed cameras, and other proprietary hardware and software to integrate novel capabilities. This is a hands-on role in which you will be expected to own hardware development, testing, and implementation yourself. Opto-mechanical systems lie at the heart of our technology, so this is a high-impact opportunity at a rapidly growing deep-tech company.   3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology! Responsibilities: * Build, assemble, align, and deploy complex opto-mechanical systems.  * Develop procedures for scaling in-house opto-mechanical build processes from prototype to volume production.  * Integrate high power lasers and high-speed camera solutions.  * Design mechanical solutions to integrate optical design with precision and repeatability.  * Create drawings specifically to opto-mechanical GD&T standards.  * Establish and own the precision alignment process including method, procedure, and software used.  * Perform test and characterization of optical performance including process, equipment selection, and passing criteria.  * Work closely with process engineering team to solve physics-based interdependencies.  * Work closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to develop a robust and scalable system architecture.  Basic Qualifications: * Bachelor’s degree in Optics/Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics, and 2 years of hands-on professional experience; or a Master's degree in one of these disciplines and at least one hands-on opto-mechanical internship. * Hands-on experience with opto-mechanical systems (build, assembly, alignment, etc.). * CAD experience, including GD&T and detailed drawing documentation as it relates to opto-mechanics.  * Strong mechanical engineering and physics fundamentals.  Nice to Have: * Master’s degree in optical engineering or mechanical engineering.  * Experience with high power lasers (tens to hundreds of watts).  * Experience designing optics for industrial systems such as semiconductor (i.e. etching), laser cutting, long distance laser communication, etc.  * Basic understanding of image and signal processing.  * Knowledge of motion control and kinematics.   * Experience with design of fluid or thermal systems.  Location: * Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and production together under one roof. We operate at the center of LA’s deep tech ecosystem, surrounded by some of the most ambitious hardware innovation happening anywhere in the country. * Our fast-paced, cross-functional environment is built on close collaboration, and as such, this role requires full-time onsite presence (five days a week), with very limited exceptions. What We Offer: * We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions. * We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology. * Benefits * Significant stock option packages * 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options) * Life insurance * Traditional and Roth 401(k) * Relocation assistance provided * Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays * Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent * Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette * Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events * Compensation   * As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company’s current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.  * In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated salary range for this role is  $90,000-$200,000. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact. * Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

CoMind

At CoMind, we are developing a non-invasive neuromonitoring technology that will result in a new era of clinical brain monitoring. In joining us, you will be helping to create cutting-edge technologies that will improve how we diagnose and treat brain disorders, ultimately improving and saving the lives of patients across the world. THE ROLE: The Mechanical Engineering team at CoMind is responsible for the design of CoMind’s device, spanning mechanical design of instruments and consumables, opto-mechanical components, electronic assemblies and packaging. The role reports in the Director of Hardware Engineering. With close collaboration with Product and Program Management the team works from concept through to production, ensuring that mechanical designs meet the performance and reliability demands of a clinical medical device. As Engineering Manager for Mechanical Engineering, you will lead a team of mechanical engineers through the iterative design, build and test phases to create mechanical designs which fulfil design input requirements and successful complete design verification and validation campaigns. Working alongside CoMind’s contract manufacturing partners, you will ensure that design deliverables can be successfully transferred into serial production. This is a hands-on leadership role: you will drive technical decisions, own the mechanical workstream, and personally contribute to complex design challenges, while managing the team to programme milestones and design control processes. You will lead and mentor the team of mechanical engineers, and establish and maintain the development process and tools (CAD, PDM, modelling) required by the Mechanical Engineering Team, maintaining a high standard of quality and performance. At CoMind, all team members work at least 4 days per week in the office, plus a flexible work-from-home day. This role can be based in either our London (Kings Cross) or Bristol office. RESPONSIBILITIES: * Lead and develop a team of mechanical engineers, setting clear development goals, providing technical mentorship, and maintaining a high standard of engineering practice * Own the mechanical engineering function and lead the realization of mechanical components from concept through to validated hardware. * Personally contribute to mechanical design work, including CAD modelling, tolerance analysis, FEA simulation, and design for manufacture and assembly * Drive design reviews, risk assessments, and V&V activities across mechanical subsystems, ensuring performance is robustly characterised before design freeze * Own the mechanical interfaces with optical, electronic, and manufacturing subsystems, working cross-functionally to resolve integration challenges * Establish and maintain mechanical design standards, toolchain choices, and documentation in line with CoMind’s QMS, ISO 13485, and IEC 60601-1 * Manage relationships with contract manufacturers and key suppliers for mechanical components and assemblies, supporting DFM and manufacturing readiness reviews * AI is fundamental to our culture — it’s not just a tool, but a core part of how we work, collaborate, and innovate. We expect all team members to embrace AI in their daily work and continuously find new ways to use it effectively SKILLS & EXPERIENCE * 8+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 2 years in a team lead or engineering management role * Hands-on experience designing precision mechanical or optomechanical systems, with a track record of delivering complex hardware products from concept through to validated production * Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks or equivalent) and associated tools for tolerance analysis, FEA, and thermal modelling * Experience designing for manufacture and assembly (DFM/DFA), including managing relationships with contract manufacturers and component suppliers * Experience in a regulated industry (medical devices, defence, or similar), with familiarity with IEC 60601, ISO 14971, ISO 13485, and design control processes * Strong cross-functional communication skills, with the ability to represent the mechanical team in system-level technical discussions * Experience with manufacturing assembly processes or precision manufacturing at production scale for instrumentation and/or high volume products. NICE TO HAVE * Background in optomechanical design or integration of precision optical systems * Experience with miniaturisation of complex electromechanical assemblies for portable or wearable devices BENEFITS: * Company equity plan so all employees share in the success of the company * Salary-sacrifice pension scheme * Private medical, dental and vision insurance (medical history disregarded) * Group life assurance at 4x annual income * Comprehensive mental health support, including unlimited access to 1:1 sessions with trained professionals * Unlimited holiday allowance (+ bank holidays) and one week of remote working per quarter * Lunch voucher (£10) every day for JustEat and free dinner on those days where you need to work later * Twice weekly deliveries of fresh fruit and an extensive selection of snacks and drinks * YuLife subscription, allowing you to turn your daily steps and meditation into discounts at a range of stores DISCLAIMER - We use AI notetaking tools to transcribe interviews for internal review. 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Lightcast Discovery

At Lightcast we are enabling scientists to gain a deeper understanding of human health and disease at the cellular level. Our technology enables the direct, precise interrogation of single cell heterogeneity, interactions and functional behaviours with a level of flexibility and scale that was previously inaccessible. Across a broad range of disciplines from basic and translational research to drug discovery, we provide the freedom to accelerate discovery and apply novel biological insights.  We are seeking a senior electronic systems engineer to join us and take a leading role in system design and engineering activities on the Lightcast Platform.  The ideal candidate will be an established engineering professional with extensive experience developing and delivering complex systems within a product business. We’re a friendly and open-minded team where flexible working is available, career development is fully supported and many learning opportunities are provided. Due to the nature of the role, you will be based in our West Cambridge offices with frequent visits to our Manufacturing site 2 miles away, though some remote working is possible. Your responsibilities will include * End-to-end development of electronic and mechatronic systems, working with development and manufacturing teams to develop and improve product designs * Taking a leading position in system engineering activities, devising and delivering system tests, functional characterisation and verification tests * Designing and assessing new electronic assemblies / PCBAs  * Cross-functional collaboration, working with our development, manufacturing and support teams to design, develop, deliver and maintain our products * Technical review of projects, as a subject matter expert * Technical documentation of design outputs and rationale * Process development, definition and documentation * Leadership in and advocacy for good product engineering practice * Leading and participating in requirements engineering activities, dFMEA, design reviews, verification, change control   Requirements We would expect you to have: * A first-class or 2:1 degree in Engineering, or a closely related discipline  * A role as an established engineering professional, with deep subject matter expertise and extensive experience in developing and delivering complex systems within a product business * Systems engineering experience * A strong technical track record in designing complex mechatronic products for function, manufacture, serviceability and cost * Hands-on and analytical approach to debugging complex systems, problem solving and resolution ownership * Experience using Altium Designer to design PCBAs for mixed digital and analogue circuits. * PCB rework and debugging experience and related skills, such as soldering SMD ICs etc, experience using standard electronics test equipment and methodologies * Experience designing electronics to meet EMC requirements * Extensive experience in developing and delivering complex products to market, up to and beyond product launch  * Design experience for manufacture via a range of appropriate standard techniques and experience working closely with suppliers to improve designs for manufacture and ensure delivery to specification * Experience working within a controlled framework to lead and maintain good-practice design, development, control and engineering processes * As an experienced Engineer you will have developed great technical leadership skills, resilience and the ability to learn from setbacks, excellent attention to detail, problem-solving skills and creativity. * You will have strong collaboration and team working skills, enabling you to work effectively with colleagues at all levels from engineering, other technical and commercial disciplines, across a range of projects and initiatives It would be advantageous for you to have: * Embedded programming experience, including embedded C and Verilog. * Experience using Python or similar programming languages * Experience designing and making cable assemblies * Experience developing Life science products * Experience developing opto-mechanics, precision motion control and fluidics systems * Experience working within quality systems for regulated environments (e.g. ISO 13485 GxP etc), although ISO 9001 is also acceptable * A track record of working in a multidisciplinary environment   Lightcast Discovery is committed to equal employment opportunity. Learn more about Lightcast Discovery    Recruitment & Staffing Agencies: We have agreements with our preferred suppliers and will not be adding to this list. Any resume submitted in the absence of a signed agreement will become the property of Lightcast Discovery, and will not incur a placement fee.