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Opto Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Opto-Mechanical Build Engineer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$90K - $200K/yr

OPTO-MECHANICAL BUILD ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating ...

Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer

Pasadena, CA ยท On-site

$114K - $150K/yr

We are looking for an opto-mechanical engineer to join our growing team with the following qualifications: Qualifications * BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or similar. 10-15 years of industry ...

OPTO-MECHANICAL BUILD ENGINEER Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating ...

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Santa Rosa, CA

$114K - $150K/yr

Duties & Responsibilities: Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer Advanced Optical Development Group SUMMARY VIAVI Solutions has a 100+ year history of technical innovations that have evolved to keep pace and ...

The Principal Opto-Mechanical Engineer is primarily responsible for leading teams in designing, validating, and optimizing optical components and systems. You will conduct advanced research, ensure ...

Sr. Opto Mechanical Engineer

Chandler, AZ ยท On-site

$102K - $135K/yr

Duties & Responsibilities: Sr. Opto-Mechanical Engineer Advanced Optical Development Group SUMMARY VIAVI Solutions has a 100+ year history of technical innovations that have evolved to keep pace and ...

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Opto Mechanical Engineer information

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$81.5K

$155.9K

$200K

How much do opto mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for opto mechanical engineer in the United States is $155,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Opto Mechanical Engineer position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Opto Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering, optics, and material science, typically complemented by a relevant engineering degree. Experience with CAD software, optical simulation tools, and familiarity with design standards like ISO or MIL specifications are highly valuable. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are key soft skills needed in this role. Mastery of these skills ensures precise design, efficient cross-disciplinary collaboration, and successful integration of optical and mechanical components in complex projects.

What are some common challenges faced by Opto Mechanical Engineers in their daily work?

Opto Mechanical Engineers often face the challenge of integrating optical components with precise mechanical structures while maintaining tight tolerances and alignment. They must balance competing requirements such as thermal management, mechanical stability, and manufacturability, which can involve significant troubleshooting and iteration. Collaboration with optical, electrical, and manufacturing teams is essential, so strong communication and project management skills are important. These challenges make the role dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy solving complex, multidisciplinary problems.

What does an Opto-Mechanical Engineer do?

An Opto-Mechanical Engineer designs and develops mechanical systems that integrate optical components, such as lenses, lasers, and sensors. They ensure precise alignment, stability, and thermal management to optimize optical performance. Their work involves using CAD software, conducting simulations, and collaborating with optical and electrical engineers. These engineers are commonly found in industries like aerospace, medical devices, and telecommunications.

What cities are hiring for Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Opto Mechanical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs? The top employers for Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs? For Opto Mechanical Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Opto Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $155,932 per year, or $75 per hour.
Opto-Mechanical Build Engineer

Opto-Mechanical Build Engineer

Freeform

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

OPTO-MECHANICAL BUILD ENGINEER
Freeform builds AI-native manufacturing systems that unify software, hardware, and physics to produce industrial-scale parts at the speed of human ideation. By treating manufacturing as a single integrated system, we unlock a new era of innovation where complex hardware is designed, built, and scaled without limits.
In this role, you will be responsible for leading the development and deployment of custom opto-mechanical systems for the world's most advanced metal 3D printing systems. You will establish and scale processes for how we build, assemble, align, and integrate opto-mechanical systems. You will work with high-power lasers, high-speed cameras, and other proprietary hardware and software to integrate novel capabilities. This is a hands-on role in which you will be expected to own hardware development, testing, and implementation yourself. Opto-mechanical systems lie at the heart of our technology, so this is a high-impact opportunity at a rapidly growing deep-tech company.
3D printing experience is not required to be successful here - rather we look for smart, motivated, collaborative engineers who love solving hard problems and creating amazing technology!
Responsibilities:
  • Build, assemble, align, and deploy complex opto-mechanical systems.
  • Develop procedures for scaling in-house opto-mechanical build processes from prototype to volume production.
  • Integrate high power lasers and high-speed camera solutions.
  • Design mechanical solutions to integrate optical design with precision and repeatability.
  • Create drawings specifically to opto-mechanical GD&T standards.
  • Establish and own the precision alignment process including method, procedure, and software used.
  • Perform test and characterization of optical performance including process, equipment selection, and passing criteria.
  • Work closely with process engineering team to solve physics-based interdependencies.
  • Work closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering teams to develop a robust and scalable system architecture.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Optics/Optical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics, and 2 years of hands-on professional experience; or a Master's degree in one of these disciplines and at least one hands-on opto-mechanical internship.
  • Hands-on experience with opto-mechanical systems (build, assembly, alignment, etc.).
  • CAD experience, including GD&T and detailed drawing documentation as it relates to opto-mechanics.
  • Strong mechanical engineering and physics fundamentals.

Nice to Have:
  • Master's degree in optical engineering or mechanical engineering.
  • Experience with high power lasers (tens to hundreds of watts).
  • Experience designing optics for industrial systems such as semiconductor (i.e. etching), laser cutting, long distance laser communication, etc.
  • Basic understanding of image and signal processing.
  • Knowledge of motion control and kinematics.
  • Experience with design of fluid or thermal systems.

Location:
  • Based in Hawthorne, our vertically integrated facility brings technology development, R&D, and production together under one roof. We operate at the center of LA's deep tech ecosystem, surrounded by some of the most ambitious hardware innovation happening anywhere in the country.
  • Our fast-paced, cross-functional environment is built on close collaboration, and as such, this role requires full-time onsite presence (five days a week), with very limited exceptions.

What We Offer:
  • We have an inclusive and diverse culture that values collaboration, learning, and making deliberate data-driven decisions.
  • We offer a unique opportunity to be an early and integral member of a rapidly growing company that is scaling a world-changing technology.
  • Benefits
    • Significant stock option packages
    • 100% employer-paid Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance (premium PPO and HMO options)
    • Life insurance
    • Traditional and Roth 401(k)
    • Relocation assistance provided
    • Paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays
    • Generous Paid Parental Leave and extended transition back to work for the birthing parent
    • Free daily catered lunch and dinner, and fully stocked kitchenette
    • Casual dress, flexible work hours, and regular catered team building events
  • Compensation
    • As a growing company, the salary range is intentionally wide as we determine the most appropriate package for each individual taking into consideration years of experience, educational background, and unique skills and abilities as demonstrated throughout the interview process. Our intent is to offer a salary that is commensurate for the company's current stage of development and allows the employee to grow and develop within a role.
    • In addition to the significant stock option package, the estimated salary range for this role is $90,000-$200,000. The upper end of the range is reserved for individuals who demonstrate exceptional experience, deep domain mastery, and a proven history of high performance and impact.
  • Freeform is an Equal Opportunity Employer that values diversity; employment with Freeform is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.