Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Job Description

The Senior Mechanical Design Engineer, as a contractor, will support the mechanical design, analysis, prototyping, testing, documentation, and release for cutting-edge Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs). This role involves full product development from concept through commercialization. Ideal candidates will have experience in precision mechanical design, optical and opto-mechanical design, mechatronics, and sub-micron motion control. The position requires strong initiative, effective cross-functional teamwork, hands-on approach, and deep technical expertise. Candidates should be self-starters with the ability to set goals and achieve them with minimal supervision, coupled with a high level of attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Define overall mechanical requirements, architecture, interfaces, and theory of operation.
• Convert high-level system requirements into subsystem specifications.
• Evaluate alternative design approaches by performing analysis, modeling, and trade studies.
• Perform mechanical design, analysis, hands-on prototyping, and system integration.
• Select mechanical components based on function, availability, reliability, and cost.
• Collaborate closely with functional teams and OEM suppliers to achieve challenging design requirements.
• Develop reliable, manufacturable, serviceable, and testable designs.
• Develop test plans and methodologies to verify performance against requirements.
• Design test fixtures to ensure compliance with product and manufacturing specifications.
• Create product documentation, including BOMs, fabrication files, and assembly drawings.
• Provide technical troubleshooting and failure analysis.
• Document project decisions and ensure appropriate cross-functional team communication.
• Serve as technical interface with third-party development partners and vendors to ensure quality.

• Mechanical design and precision mechanical design experience.
• Experience with high stiffness and thermal stability design.
• Familiarity with FEA (Finite Element Analysis).
• Opto-mechanical design and mechatronics expertise.
• Experience in sub-micron motion control.
• Proficiency in precision machining, sheet metal fabrication, plastic injection molding, welding, and casting.
• SolidWorks proficiency for design and troubleshooting.

• Previous production experience.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• High attention to detail.

The work environment is primarily within a typical office and laboratory setting. Occasional work may be required in a Class 1000 clean room, adhering to full gowning protocols. The company offers a large professional culture and full benefits once hired on directly, including holiday, vacation, and sick pay.

The pay range for this position is $125000.00 - $160000.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:

Medical, dental & vision
Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
Short and long-term disability
Health Spending Account (HSA)
Transportation benefits
Employee Assistance Program
Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in SANTA BARBARA,CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Jun 26, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing due to a disability, please email ... for other accommodation options.