

Senior Mechanical Engineer
Job Description
Voyant Photonics, based in the heart of New York City, is transforming machine perception with a new class of LiDAR devices that are compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand and powerful enough to measure range, velocity, and reflectivity with unparalleled accuracy. By leveraging cutting-edge silicon photonic chips smaller than your fingertip, we deliver sensors that are not only revolutionary in performance but also affordable enough to integrate into any system.
This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in a hybrid hardware company. As we prepare to launch our first generation of sensors at scale, you’ll take ownership of the electronic systems that drive our photonic integrated circuit innovations. Your work will directly shape the future of high-performance, affordable LiDAR sensing technology.
If you thrive in fast-paced environments, enjoy tackling complex challenges, and are excited about transforming the sensing landscape, we’d love to hear from you.
Responsibilities
- Lead as the center of gravity for mechanical product design, ensuring the mechanical system reflects product intent, performance requirements, and cross-functional constraints.
- Own the end-to-end mechanical architecture of the product, integrating optical packaging, optical lenses, electrical PCB's, and thermal solutions into a cohesive, manufacturable design.
- Develop compact, rugged, and IP-rated enclosures for LiDAR sensors that meet environmental and mechanical requirements (shock, vibration, ingress protection, etc.).
- Design precision mechanical components and assemblies for optical elements such as lenses and mirrors.
- Model and implement cooling strategies to manage thermal loads.
- Create detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, and BOMs using tools like SolidWorks or Creo.
- Rapid prototype mechanical designs and support validation through thermal, mechanical, and environmental testing.
- Optimize designs for high volume manufacturing processes.
- Work closely with optical, electrical, and product teams to ensure design compatibility and product performance.
- Interface with vendors and contract manufacturers to review DFM, tolerances, materials, and production processes.
Job Requirements
- B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- 3+ years of experience in mechanical product design, preferably in opto-mechanical or sensor systems.
- Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent).
- Experience with thermal simulation tools (Solidworks Simulation, ANSYS, Icepak, or similar).
- Strong understanding of tolerancing and material selection for optics and electronics enclosures.
- Familiarity with optical alignment principles and vibration/shock isolation techniques.
- Familiarity with system level reliability analysis and approaches to validate designs.
- Excellent problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with LiDAR, camera systems, medical equipment or other optical sensing technologies.
- Familiarity with FEA, CFD, or multi-physics simulation.
- Background in automotive or aerospace environmental standards.
- Hands-on lab experience with alignment, assembly, and testing of optical systems.