The posting
Mechanical Design Engineer, Frontier AI Hardware
About us:
Voyant Photonics is pushing the boundaries of silicon photonic chips that steer and switch light at high speed. They power next generation, chip-scale FMCW LiDAR for robotics and autonomy, and optical circuit switches (OCS) for AI data centers. Based in NYC, we’re a hands-on team designing, building, and deploying frontier hardware to solve problems that matter, from how machines see to how AI scales.
About the Role:
We are looking for an experienced Mechanical Engineer to design, document, and release the mechanical hardware for our LiDAR sensing products and the tooling used to build and test them. You will own parts and assemblies from concept through release and support the alignment and assembly processes that bring our sensors to life. In a startup environment, speed matters, and so does getting it right the first time.
What You'll Do:
- Design mechanical components, housings, assemblies, and development platforms for LiDAR sensors in SolidWorks
- Create clear, complete, manufacturing-ready drawings with proper GD&T per ASME Y14.5
- Perform tolerance stack-up analyses to verify fit, function, and optical alignment budgets
- Translate system‑level requirements into robust mechanical architecture and detailed designs
- Design fixtures, jigs, and tooling for assembly, alignment, inspection, and test
- Support and improve lens alignment stations and related optical assembly processes
- Manage engineering change requests and revisions (ECR/ECO), keeping documentation and BOMs accurate
- Work with suppliers to resolve manufacturability questions and ensure part quality
- Drive design-to-cost and value engineering efforts to reduce part cost and complexity without compromising performance
- Collaborate with optical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers to turn requirements into robust designs
- Iterate quickly through prototypes and builds, then move designs toward production
What We're Looking For
- B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical experience
- Minimum of 4+ years of mechanical design experience for precision hardware products
- Strong proficiency in SolidWorks, including assemblies, detailed part modeling and drawings
- Working knowledge of GD&T and its practical application to functional and inspection requirements
- Experience performing tolerance stack-up analysis (worst-case and statistical)
- Experience with tool and fixture design
Nice to Have
- Experience with precision optomechanical design, such as lens mounting and adhesive bonding.
- Experience with thermal analysis and structural FEA, especially for compact electro-optical packaging
- Hands-on machining, , assembly, or test experience
Life at Voyant
We build frontier hardware & systems from our lab and office in Midtown Manhattan, where optical tables, lab benches and electronics sit alongside traditional office space. Our work is hands-on and primarily in person, but we don’t run on a rigid 9-to-5. We partner with customers across time zones, so some calls start early or run late, and we adjust schedules around them. We run a high-trust, high-accountability environment: you’ll own meaningful work, move quickly and often wear more than one hat. Voyant provides catered lunch every day at HQ, and we’re a diverse group of food lovers from around the world who enjoy sharing food, culture and technical ideas around the lunch table.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Voyant Photonics is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or partnership status, age, national origin, citizenship, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
