At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the transition of innovative designs into reliable manufacturing platforms for advanced optical systems.
- Company: Join Pendar Technologies, a cutting-edge firm revolutionising chemical analysis technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, healthcare, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Work closely with a dynamic team and enjoy excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by developing technology that aids first responders and protects communities.
- Qualifications: Ph.D. or relevant experience in Hardware Engineering or Applied Physics; CAD skills required.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
About Pendar Technologies
Pendar Technologies is a small, growing high-tech company that is advancing the field of intelligent chemical analysis. Leveraging advanced Raman laser spectroscopy and robust detection algorithms, our flagship product, the Pendar X10, represents the forefront of opto-mechanical innovation in hazardous material identification, which we manufacture onsite. Our innovative solutions assist first responders, law enforcement, and military personnel in identifying the chemicals they encounter in the field. Join Pendar to become part of a place that's developing cutting-edge technology and is making a significant impact safeguarding our country and communities.
About the Role
Pendar Technologies is seeking a Senior Optomechanical + NPI Engineer to bridge R&D and production for our advanced optical sensing systems. This role is responsible for taking designs from prototype to a producible, reliable, high-yield product by developing advanced automated manufacturing platforms — you will be owning the platform's ongoing success once it's live. You'll design the optomechanical systems, automation cell architecture that make our systems manufacturable at scale, guiding the vision and optimization algorithms that support them. You'll stay engaged through fabrication, test, and production ramp to make sure our products and manufacturing systems actually work in practice.
This role requires a strong understanding of optical and mechanical fundamentals along with the ability to design and build experimental and optomechanical apparatuses. We're looking for someone who is an independent thinker and doer, who is sharp, learns fast, and enjoys solving real hardware challenges using analytical skills while working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Who You’ll Work With
This role reports to the VP of Optomechanical Engineering and works closely with Pendar's founding team, including the CEO and Principal Scientists. It's highly technical group, and you'll have direct exposure to key decisions from early on.
Primary Responsibilities
- Lead the transition of new opto-mechanical designs from R&D prototype to a stable, producible manufacturing platform. This includes design, fixturing, process development, and reliability testing including compliance with military/environmental reliability standards such as MIL-STD-810.
- Take responsibility for a platform's success in production: when something breaks, doesn't scale, or doesn't work as expected, you're the person who drives it to resolution, whether that means redesigning a component, rebuilding a test setup, or getting hands-on in the lab.
- Design and build the tools that drive success on the production line — automation cells, test fixtures, experimental setups, precision optomechanical alignment procedures — as needed for whatever problem is in front of you.
- Investigate failures at the root cause and drive corrective action across design, process, and manufacturing.
Qualifications
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- A Ph.D. in a Hardware Engineering field (e.g., Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Robotics) or Applied Physics is preferred. Candidates with a Master's and 2+ years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's and 5+ years, are also encouraged to apply.
- Deep understanding of optical and mechanical fundamentals
- Experienced in CAD (SolidWorks) to quickly turn ideas into designs.
- Hands-on skills in mechanical assembly, wiring, soldering, electronics controllers, and familiarity with machine shop tools and 3D printing.
Nice to Have
- Prior experience taking a product from prototype through NPI into production.
- Experience working with contract manufacturers, vendors, or suppliers on tooling/fixturing.
- Exposure to standard manufacturing engineering and supply chain best practices.
- Familiarity with data analysis software tools (Python, MATLAB, MINITAB, etc.) or PCB prototyping.
Location and Additional Information
- This is a full-time position, fully on-site in Cambridge, MA, accessible by car, bike, and bus
- Salary range of $100,000 to $150,000 depending on the candidate
- Competitive benefits include healthcare, dental, vision, and matching 401k
Senior Optomechanical + NPI Engineer in Cambridge employer: Pendar Technologies
Pendar Technologies is an exceptional employer for those passionate about engineering and innovation, offering a collaborative work culture where hands-on contributions are valued. Located in the vibrant city of Cambridge, MA, employees benefit from competitive healthcare, dental, and vision plans, alongside a matching 401k, fostering both personal and professional growth. Join our small, dedicated team to tackle meaningful challenges and develop cutting-edge technology that truly makes a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Optomechanical + NPI Engineer in Cambridge
✨Get Your Hands Dirty at Engineering Events
Join local engineering meetups or industry conferences related to mechanical engineering. Whether it's a workshop or a career fair, these events are goldmines for networking and getting a foot in the door. Plus, you can showcase your passion and enthusiasm directly to potential employers like Pendar Technologies.
✨Connect with Professors & Peers
Tap into your university’s resources—professors often have connections in the industry. Don’t be shy to ask about potential openings or recommendations. Your classmates might also know of companies hiring. Often, it’s who you know that gets you in front of the right people!
✨Highlight Your Projects and Practical Experience
When you land those interviews, make sure to talk about your hands-on projects or internships. Whether it's a design project or hands-on experience with CAD software, specific examples will make you stand out. Companies like Pendar Technologies love to hear about practical applications of your skills.
✨Apply Directly on Company Websites
Check out the careers page of Pendar Technologies and apply directly through there. It shows initiative and interest in their specific values. Plus, you'll often find openings that aren't advertised on job boards, giving you a better chance to land that full-time gig!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Optomechanical + NPI Engineer in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Expertise:In mechanical engineering, it’s vital to highlight your technical skills and projects. Make sure to include relevant software proficiency (like CAD tools) in your CV. If you've worked on specific engineering projects, detail your key contributions — we want to see how you’ve applied your skills in a practical setting!
Focus on Problem-Solving Examples:Employers in mechanical engineering love to see how you handle challenges. Use your cover letter to share specific instances where you’ve solved a complex problem or improved a design. This will show us you're not just knowledgeable but also capable of applying that knowledge effectively.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Include any relevant certifications or training that can set you apart from the competition. Whether it's coursework from your degree, a recognised certification, or extra training in new technologies, we love to see candidates who continuously improve their skill set. This tells us you're serious about your career in engineering!
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don’t forget to customise your CV for Pendar Technologies and the Senior Optomechanical + NPI Engineer role specifically. Pull examples from your experience that align with the job description — it shows us you've done your research and are genuinely interested in becoming part of the team. We recommend applying through our website to ensure your application gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pendar Technologies
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Pendar Technologies.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions that test your understanding of engineering principles and problem-solving skills. You might get hypothetical scenarios where you need to design a component or troubleshoot a mechanical system. Practising these types of questions will give you the confidence to tackle whatever comes your way!
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a full-time mechanical engineer, collaboration is key! Be ready to share examples of past team projects or any experiences where you contributed to solving a complex problem with others. Demonstrating your ability to work in a team will resonate well with the interviewers at Pendar Technologies.
✨Discuss Your Future Goals
Since this is a full-time position, your long-term vision is important. Be open about your career aspirations, whether it’s mastering a specific tool or leading projects. This shows that you're committed not just to learning but also to growing with Pendar Technologies, making you a more appealing candidate.
