Mechanical Design Engineer, Frontier AI Hardware

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. 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. 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.

Responsibilities

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

Requirements

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

Benefits

Catered lunch every day at HQ