Senior Mechanical Engineer

Kodiak Sciences (Nasdaq: KOD) is advancing vision science by integrating retinal biology, optics, artificial intelligence, medical imaging, and next-generation wearable technologies. Our VETi™ — Visual Engagement Technology and Imager — platform is an AI-enabled wearable system combining advanced LiDAR, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), optically pumped magnetometer (OPM) brain sensors, embedded computing, machine learning, and AR/VR technologies. VETi is being developed for applications in retina care, brain imaging, digital health, identity security, cognitive science, and broader AI-enabled vision technologies. We are looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to build the mechanical foundation for Kodiak’s VETi platform, from early prototypes through production-ready wearable hardware. This role is well suited for an engineer with strong mechanical and opto-mechanical design fundamentals who enjoys complex electro-mechanical systems and is excited to build hardware for advanced medical imaging and wearable technologies. We are interested in strong mechanical engineers who are curious about medical imaging and motivated to work on advanced wearable technologies. What You Will Do Own the design, development, and validation of mechanical and opto-mechanical systems for wearable imaging and sensing — from prototype through production. Design precision opto-mechanical assemblies for micro-optics, lasers, detectors, and MEMS scanners, using tolerance analysis, GD&T, and thermal/structural FEA to maintain optical alignment. Develop motion systems, mechatronics, and micro-positioning mechanisms for scanning, alignment, and robotics. Design ergonomic head-mounted enclosures and structures, balancing weight, fit, thermal management, and durability. Build rapid prototypes and work with vendors and contract manufacturers to move designs into production. Collaborate with optics, electrical, firmware, software, and systems engineering teams. Education and Qualifications B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Physics, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent practical experience. 5+ years of professional mechanical engineering experience developing complex electro-mechanical products and systems. Proficiency in 3D CAD for complex opto-electro-mechanical assemblies (Creo preferred; SolidWorks or similar), with strong GD&T and drawing practices. Strong experience with motion systems, mechatronics, or precision micro-positioners (MEMS, piezo), and with opto-mechanical design for micro-optics. Hands-on prototyping skills with 3D printers and common machining tools, and experience working with vendors and machine shops. Additional Experience That Would Be Valuable Experience designing custom miniature motors and actuators (piezoelectric, stepper, BLDC, voice-coil), optimizing torque, speed, resolution, size, and power consumption for battery-powered wearables. Experience with motor drive and control (drive electronics, encoders, closed-loop control) and motor characterization — efficiency, backlash, hysteresis, and lifetime. Experience designing MEMS scanning mirrors — electrostatic, electromagnetic, or piezoelectric actuation, resonant and quasi-static operation, multiphysics modeling (COMSOL, ANSYS), and working with MEMS foundries on fabrication and packaging. Experience designing non-magnetic structures, sensor helmets, or magnetic shielding for OPM/MEG or other magnetic-sensing systems. Experience developing medical devices, consumer wearables, AR/VR head-mounted systems, or optical instruments (LiDAR, OCT, laser-based). Experience taking parts from prototype through DFM/DFA to mass production (injection molding, die casting, CNC), with an emphasis on scalability and cost. Familiarity with regulated medical-device development (IEC 60601, ISO 13485, FDA), or willingness to learn. Why Join Kodiak This role is for engineers who want their mechanical designs to drive real-world wearable systems — precision optics, motion, and sensing — and shape the hardware itself. You will work at the intersection of software, hardware, medical imaging, optics, AR/VR, LiDAR, OCT, OPM, and AI. The platform is novel, the technical challenges are deep, and the work has the potential to shape a new class of wearable vision technologies. #J-18808-Ljbffr