
Sr. Engineer, Mechanical Design
Ayar Labs, San Jose, CA, United States
Position:
Sr. Engineer, Mechanical Design
Location:
San Jose, CA
Job Id:
577
Location: San Jose (on-site)
Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics (CPO), we are using light instead of electricity to move data faster, further, and with a fraction of the energy needed to fuel the explosive growth of AI models.
Backed by industry giants like NVIDIA, Mediatek, AMD and Intel and manufactured in partnership with the world’s leading semiconductor ecosystem, Ayar Labs’ co-packaged optics solution is key to unleashing next-generation AI scale-up architectures.
We’re looking for a hands‑on Mechanical Engineer to own the physical realization of our products—from concept through production. This engineer will be responsible for turning complex electrical and photonics systems into robust, manufacturable hardware, working closely with cross‑functional teams and external partners.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast‑paced environments, enjoys solving integration challenges, and likes seeing designs come to life on the factory floor.
Key Responsibilities
Own detailed mechanical design including 3D modeling, drawings, tolerancing, and documentation
Drive mechanical integration of electrical, optical, and thermal subsystems into cohesive product designs
Collaborate closely with EE, photonics, and systems teams to resolve cross‑domain design challenges
Work hands‑on with contract manufacturers (CMs) to develop tooling, jigs, and fixtures for build and test
Validate manufacturability (DFM/DFA) and drive design improvements for yield, cost, and reliability
Support prototype builds, debug mechanical issues, and iterate quickly
Define assembly processes and ensure designs are production‑ready
Manage ECOs, revisions, and release of mechanical documentation
Required Qualifications
BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field
4+ years of experience in mechanical design for complex hardware systems
Strong proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, NX) and GD&T
Experience with precision assemblies involving optics, electronics, or thermal components
Solid understanding of materials, tolerances, and manufacturing processes (CNC, injection molding, sheet metal, etc.)
Experience working with CMs and taking products from prototype to production
Comfortable working cross‑functionally and resolving ambiguous integration challenges
Hands‑on mindset—willing to jump into builds, debug, and iterate quickly
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
Experience with optical or photonics packaging
Familiarity with thermal design and analysis
Experience in high‑volume manufacturing environments
Prior startup or fast‑paced product development experience
Salary range: $130,000 - $155,000
Ayar Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.
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Sr. Engineer, Mechanical Design
Location:
San Jose, CA
Job Id:
577
Location: San Jose (on-site)
Ayar Labs is shattering AI data bottlenecks by moving data at the speed of light. As pioneers of co-packaged optics (CPO), we are using light instead of electricity to move data faster, further, and with a fraction of the energy needed to fuel the explosive growth of AI models.
Backed by industry giants like NVIDIA, Mediatek, AMD and Intel and manufactured in partnership with the world’s leading semiconductor ecosystem, Ayar Labs’ co-packaged optics solution is key to unleashing next-generation AI scale-up architectures.
We’re looking for a hands‑on Mechanical Engineer to own the physical realization of our products—from concept through production. This engineer will be responsible for turning complex electrical and photonics systems into robust, manufacturable hardware, working closely with cross‑functional teams and external partners.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in fast‑paced environments, enjoys solving integration challenges, and likes seeing designs come to life on the factory floor.
Key Responsibilities
Own detailed mechanical design including 3D modeling, drawings, tolerancing, and documentation
Drive mechanical integration of electrical, optical, and thermal subsystems into cohesive product designs
Collaborate closely with EE, photonics, and systems teams to resolve cross‑domain design challenges
Work hands‑on with contract manufacturers (CMs) to develop tooling, jigs, and fixtures for build and test
Validate manufacturability (DFM/DFA) and drive design improvements for yield, cost, and reliability
Support prototype builds, debug mechanical issues, and iterate quickly
Define assembly processes and ensure designs are production‑ready
Manage ECOs, revisions, and release of mechanical documentation
Required Qualifications
BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field
4+ years of experience in mechanical design for complex hardware systems
Strong proficiency in CAD tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Creo, NX) and GD&T
Experience with precision assemblies involving optics, electronics, or thermal components
Solid understanding of materials, tolerances, and manufacturing processes (CNC, injection molding, sheet metal, etc.)
Experience working with CMs and taking products from prototype to production
Comfortable working cross‑functionally and resolving ambiguous integration challenges
Hands‑on mindset—willing to jump into builds, debug, and iterate quickly
Preferred Qualifications
Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering
Experience with optical or photonics packaging
Familiarity with thermal design and analysis
Experience in high‑volume manufacturing environments
Prior startup or fast‑paced product development experience
Salary range: $130,000 - $155,000
Ayar Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.
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