Senior Mechanical Engineer, Optics Manufacturing

Are you ready to collaborate with leading experts in optical engineering and contribute to the next level of precision and innovation?At Zygo, your skills and insights will be integral to our core values of curiosity, collaboration, and persistence. For over 50 years, Zygo Corporation in Middlefield, CT, has been a global leader in advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems. Join our team, where your expertise will help drive innovative solutions, solve complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision, safety, and quality.As a Senior Mechanical Engineer optics manufacturing, based in Middlefield, Connecticut, you will design and support precision mechanical systems, tooling, fixtures, lifting devices, handling equipment, and opto-mechanical assemblies used in the manufacturing of world-class optical components and systems. This role is ideal for a hands-on mechanical engineer who can independently develop practical mechanical solutions, support complex manufacturing operations, and improve the safety, repeatability, and efficiency of optical manufacturing processes.You will partner closely with Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Metrology, Quality, Procurement, suppliers, and customers to develop innovative mechanical designs, support production activities, solve complex technical challenges, and enable the successful manufacturing of precision optical components ranging from small optics to meter-class assemblies.Key Responsibilities:Design and release precision tooling, fixtures, lifting devices, handling systems, and opto-mechanical assemblies using SolidWorks.Develop fabrication-ready CAD models, detailed drawings, GD&T documentation, bills of material, and engineering release packages.Perform or support stress, thermal, motion, and structural analyses to ensure robust and reliable mechanical designs.Improve manufacturability, reduce handling risk, and support prototype builds, testing, validation activities, and technical problem resolution.Collaborate with Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Metrology, Quality, Procurement, suppliers, and customers to deliver practical mechanical solutions and support continuous improvement initiatives.Key Requirements:Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline with 3 - 5+ years of experience in mechanical design, precision manufacturing, tooling design, equipment design, or opto-mechanical engineering.Advanced SolidWorks proficiency, including part and assembly modeling, detailed drawings, configurations, and release documentation.Experience designing precision tooling, fixtures, lifting devices, handling systems, and opto-mechanical assemblies for manufacturing environments.Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance analysis, engineering drawings, design for manufacturability, and mechanical analysis methods, including FEA.Experience supporting precision optical manufacturing environments, including large, fragile, high-value components, combined with strong communication, collaboration, and problem-solving skills.Demonstrated ability and willingness to use AI tools to improve productivity, decision-making, work quality, and to reduce costs. The successful candidate must be able to identify appropriate AI use cases and critically evaluate AI-generated outputsBring your passion and commitment to Zygo, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, confident, and problem-solvers — and where safety and quality guide every step of our journey. Grow with us as we solve complex challenges, inspire confidence, and drive excellence in manufacturing.Are you ready to expand the boundaries of possibility, simplify the complex, and embody the values that define our success?We welcome your unique perspective and invite you to join us. We offer competitive compensation, benefits, 401(k), and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience.Due to the nature of Zygo’s programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the U.S. and must be legally authorized to access export-controlled information and source code.