System Mechanical Design Engineer

About this Role

We are seeking a motivated, dedicated, and hands-on mechanical design engineer to help develop a chassis and rack platforms for the next-generation artificial intelligence server alongside a team of world-class scientists and engineers.

As a Mechanical Engineer at Lightmatter, you will sit at the critical intersection of silicon photonics, advanced 3D packaging, and extreme-density thermal management. You won't just be tweaking existing designs; you will be the practical execution engine transforming complex electro-optical concepts into scalable, manufacturable hardware.

While this role focuses on flawless technical execution rather than top-level project architecture, your hands-on impact will be immense. You will navigate the transition from initial CAD and prototype builds to leading external Contract Manufacturers (CMs). If you are a rigorous, detail-oriented engineer eager to solve complex thermal-mechanical packaging puzzles, orchestrate supply chains, and build the physical backbone of next-generation AI infrastructure, we want you on our team.

Responsibilities

• Design, test, analyze, integrate, qualify and document hardware of moderate to high complexity, in a dynamic startup environment.
• Ensure proper packaging of optical, electrical and related components for optimal thermal performance.
• Responsible for mechanical design from generating CAD and drawings, to BOM generation and crafting work instructions.
• Fully understand project requirements and timelines while identifying gaps and drive to closure with the stakeholders
• Initiate and drive design reviews while managing the resulting feedback and change requests. 
• Collaborate in root-cause-analysis and technical investigations with  cross-functional teams. 
•  Drive hands-on in-house build and integration activities, scaling from initial prototype fabrication to leading external CMs for high-volume production.
• Manage outside fabricators to ensure correct build-to-print and quality workmanship.
• Work with technical program managers to define a detailed timeline.
• Actively mitigate and manage lead-time issues with the supply chain team.
• Collaborate with relevant cross-functional engineering teams to understand dependencies.
• Provide assistance to creating technical road-maps, establishing best practices, and determining product feasibility.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related fields
• 5+ years of experience in system mechanical design with multiple successful product releases
• Proficient in a 3D CAD solid modeling software package such as SolidWorks
• Familiar with both thermal and structural testing and analysis
• Experience with state-of-the-art mechanical engineering design and analysis tools (ANSYS preferred)
• Possess a strong understanding in the application of heat transfer principles, strength of materials, materials selection, design for vibration environments and the ability to apply those principles to unique mechanical design challenges.
• Industry experience in electronics packaging
• Strong communication and adaptive in execution

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• Familiar with 3D printing equipment and processes
• Proficient with FEA software package (ANSYS, SolidWorks)
• Proficient with thermal simulation and analysis software package (IcePak, Flotherm)

This role is open to two different roles. Level and salary range is dependent on education, years of industry experience, and interview performance.