Mechanical Designer Jobs in Rochester, NY (NOW HIRING)

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At Zygo Navitar, 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 designing and manufacturing advanced optical metrology systems, ultra-precise optical components, and complex electro-optical systems and assemblies. Join our team, where your expertise will drive cutting‑edge solutions, address complex technical challenges, and uphold the highest standards of precision and safety.

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our team in Rochester, NY. Bring your passion and commitment to Navitar, where we are curious, collaborative, persistent, and confident, 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Transform early‑stage concepts into manufacturable opto‑mechanical designs in collaboration with clients and optical engineering staff.
• Develop accurate 3D models and prototypes using SolidWorks or similar CAD tools.
• Lead and support design reviews with customers to ensure all requirements and constraints are met.
• Own mechanical design for new products and contribute to updates of legacy designs under guidance from Senior Engineers. Create and maintain engineering documentation, including detail drawings, assemblies, BOMs, and work instructions, to ensure manufacturability and repeatable quality.
• Partner with Sales during quotation phases to evaluate feasibility, identify risk areas, and ensure accurate cost and effort estimation.
• Conduct engineering analyses to evaluate design alternatives and recommend optimized solutions.
• Develop fixture designs and application‑specific test procedures for both new and existing products.
• Ensure all deliverables meet defined quality and performance standards.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering Technology.
• 3+ years of engineering experience in a design or manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in micron‑level mechanical assembly design and precision engineering.
• Proficiency in creating and interpreting detailed drawings to ASME Y14.5M standards.
• Ability to assess tolerance stack‑ups and ensure functional, manufacturable designs.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills for collaboration across teams and with clients.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust, collaborate effectively, and solve problems in a team‑oriented environment.
• Self‑motivated and comfortable working with minimal supervision when needed.
• Hands‑on engineering mindset—capable of assembling, testing, and troubleshooting prototypes.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software and methods.
• Experience with thermal analysis software and heat‑transfer simulation methods.
• Knowledge of optical design principles and opto‑mechanical system behavior.
• Familiarity with both subtractive and additive manufacturing processes.
• Ability to perform metrology tasks using tools such as CMMs.
• Experience in machining (CAM programming, milling, turning) is a plus.
• 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 outputs.

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, retirement (401k) and paid time off programs. Compensation and position level will be set based on experience.

*Due to the nature of Navitar programs and products, applicants must have the legal right to work in the US and additionally must be legally authorized to access export‑controlled information and source code.

Employee Type: Salaried

Currency: USD

Salary Minimum: 90,000

Salary Maximum: 115,000

Incentive: No

Disclaimer:Where a specific pay range is noted, it is a good faith estimate at the time of this posting. The actual salary offered will be based on experience, skills, qualifications, market / business considerations, and geographic location.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.Individuals who need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process should call 1 (866) 263-8359.