Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Berkeley Lab is hiring an Opto-Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and analyze components and systems for optical instruments, imaging, and laser systems. This role involves close collaboration with optical, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing teams to ensure high performance, reliability, and manufacturability of precision assemblies. Projects include ALS-U, BELLA, CXRO, and DUNE. The position blends office-based design with hands-on prototyping, testing, and validation in a multidisciplinary environment, all in alignment with LBNL design standards.

What You Will Do:

• Design and analyze opto-mechanical assemblies (lenses, mirrors, mounts, housings, fixtures).
• Perform thermal, vibration, structural, and error budget analyses to optimize system performance.
• Ensure optical alignment and stability under environmental conditions in collaboration with scientists and engineers.
• Develop and review detailed CAD models, drawings, and documentation for manufacturing.
• Support testing, validation, and troubleshooting of systems and subsystems.
• Work with manufacturing teams to ensure quality, cost-efficiency, and manufacturability.
• Resolve design issues and implement innovative, reliable, and manufacturable solutions.
• Stay current on technologies and best practices in opto-mechanical engineering.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure design feasibility and integrity.
• Apply First Time Right principles for efficient, compliant system development.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation in design methods.
• Assist in developing project cost and schedule estimates.

What is Required:

Opto-Mechanical Engineer Level 2:

• B.S. in Optical Sciences, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with 2+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent.
• Proficient in 3D CAD (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks, Inventor) and PLM tools (e.g., Windchill, SAP, Siemens Opcenter).
• Skilled in designing and optimizing opto-mechanical components for integrated systems.
• Experienced in engineering analyses (error budget, thermal, structural, dynamic) for design validation.
• Proficient in testing, validation, and ensuring compliance with specifications and quality standards.
• Capable of creating comprehensive mechanical documentation (CAD, drawings, BOMs, specs, assembly guides).
• Strong problem-solving skills with a track record of resolving design issues and improving manufacturability.
• Experienced in supporting manufacturing and assembly with technical guidance and issue resolution.
• Knowledgeable in at least two of the following: ray tracing, kinematic design, compliant mechanisms, vacuum systems, DfX, root cause analysis, optical alignment, or metrology.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey technical concepts clearly.

In Addition, the Opto-Mechanical Level 3:

• B.S. in Optical Sciences, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with 7+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent.

In Addition, the Opto-Mechanical Level 4:

• B.S. in Optical Sciences, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with 10+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent.

Notes:

• This is a full-time 2-year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• The expected salary for the Opto-Mechanical Engineer Level 2 is $106,000.00 - $129,000.00, which fits into the full salary of $94,164.00 - $158,856.00 annually depending upon the candidates skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• The expected salary for the Opto-Mechanical Engineer Level 3 is $130,000.00 - $158,000.00, which fits into the full salary of $115,176.00 - $194,340.00 annually depending upon the candidates skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• The expected salary for the Opto-Mechanical Engineer Level 4 is $157,000.00 - $192,000.00, which fits into the full salary of $139,752.00 - $235,848.00 annually depending upon the candidates skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Starting May 7, a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.