Staff Mechanical Automation Engineer

Job description

ABOUT LUMILENS At Lumilens, we are building the critical photonics infrastructure powering tomorrow’s AI supercomputing. From chip-to-chip optical interconnects to scalable photonic engines, Lumilens is unlocking a new era of computing—faster, cooler, and massively more efficient. We’re a well-funded startup backed by Mayfield and led by veterans who have built and scaled transformative technologies in the industry. At Lumilens, we’re developing high-speed photonics products designed to power the future of AI infrastructure and high-performance computing. This is a ground-floor opportunity to rethink the optical layer from the silicon up. You’ll collaborate with a world-class team of engineers tackling the hardest automation and manufacturing challenges in photonics. If you’re looking for mission, momentum, and the chance to make an outsized impact, join us on the rocket ship. We’re just getting started. ROLE OVERVIEW We are seeking a Staff Mechanical Automation Engineer to join our Manufacturing Operations team. In this high-ownership role, you will lead the mechanical design, analysis, and qualification of automation systems, tooling, and fixtures that support high-volume, high-reliability production of optical and electro-mechanical assemblies. You will partner cross-functionally with process, test, quality, and product engineering teams to translate requirements into manufacturable, testable, and scalable production solutions. This is a senior technical position with significant influence on manufacturing and tooling strategy at Lumilens. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Lead mechanical design and DFM reviews for optical and opto-mechanical assemblies, ensuring designs are optimized for high-yield, high-volume manufacturing - Own tolerance analysis (worst-case and statistical) for automated assembly, handling, and test processes to ensure process capability and first-pass yield - Perform FEA to validate structural integrity, stiffness, vibration response, and durability of fixtures, jigs, and automation hardware - Develop thermal models of assembly and test processes to predict and mitigate thermal drift, expansion mismatch, and heat-related failure modes - Design, prototype, and qualify automated and semi-automated jigs and fixtures, from concept through production launch and sustaining support - Design mechanical structures and fixturing for ICT and functional test compatibility, including probe access, test point placement, and board-to-fixture alignment - Drive root-cause investigations for mechanical and fixture-related yield or reliability issues, leading corrective and preventive actions - Collaborate with Process, Automation, Test, and Quality Engineering teams to define equipment and tooling requirements for NPI and sustaining programs - Create and maintain design documentation, drawings, FMEAs, and validation reports to support design reviews and manufacturing readiness - Mentor junior and mid-level engineers, providing technical leadership across automation and tooling initiatives REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS - Hands-on DFM experience with optical or opto-mechanical assemblies (e.g., transceivers, fiber interconnects, lenses/alignment structures), including tolerancing for optical alignment, coupling loss, and contamination control - Proficiency in worst-case and/or statistical (Monte Carlo, RSS) tolerance stack-up analysis for automation - Practical expertise applying FEA (ANSYS, Abaqus, SolidWorks Simulation) to structural, vibration, and fatigue analysis of fixtures and mechanical assemblies - Ability to model and predict thermal behavior during assembly (reflow, bonding, curing) and test, and to design fixtures that manage heat generation, dissipation, and thermal drift - Demonstrated experience designing, building, and qualifying jigs and fixtures for automated manufacturing from concept through production - Experience designing mechanical structures and fixturing compatible with ICT requirements, including probe access and alignment - Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field, with 8+ years experience in manufacturing/automation engineering (or equivalent) - Proficiency with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent) and GD&T - Strong understanding of manufacturing processes relevant to electro-optical/electro-mechanical products (SMT, adhesive bonding, press-fit, laser welding, etc.) - Demonstrated success working cross-functionally in a fast-paced manufacturing environment PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience in optical transceiver, photonics, or fiber-optic interconnect manufacturing (OSFP, QSFP, or similar form factors) - Experience with robotics or motion-control integration for automated assembly and test - Familiarity with SPC and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS) - Experience with panelized PCBA processes and panel-level fixture design - Working knowledge of GR&R, MSA, and process capability (Cpk) studies WHAT WE OFFER - Competitive compensation and equity - Medical, dental, and vision coverage - Flexible work environment and generous PTO - Work at the forefront of photonics and AI hardware alongside a world-class team Lumilens is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.