Job Title: Mechanical Engineer – New Product Introduction (NPI/NTI)
Location: Onsite, Boulder, CO
Type: Full-time, Contract (1 YEAR +)
Job Summary
In this role, you will serve as a contract Mechanical Engineer within the Analytical Instrument R+D Hardware Engineering team. The role is dedicated to designing and updating mechanical systems and sub-assemblies for research programs investigating new technologies as well as for product development projects launching new analytical instrumentation.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to research novel technologies and design new instrumentation to demonstrate project feasibility and meet specifications
- Participate in design activities, including design reviews, prototyping, and communication of schedules, milestones, and statuses to project teams
- Create component and assembly CAD files, specify materials, and establish performance criteria and standards for mechanical designs
- Develop and execute test plans to qualify instrument prototypes and sub-assemblies; troubleshoot using strong engineering principles and document results
- Generate instrument documentation, such as bills of materials and specification sheets for purchasing; follow Configuration Management processes to release part documentation using an ERP system
- Design and fabricate test fixtures for prototype and pilot production environments
- Optimize sheet metal design, aluminum casting, and component placement for usability, maintenance, and manufacturability
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities – Required
- Ability to design and assemble prototypes
- Mechanical hand tools and machine shop experience
- Proficient in reading, interpreting, and creating mechanical drawings, especially for sheet metal, plastic injection-molded, and machined parts utilizing GD&T per ASME/ANSI Y14.5M
- Experience in tolerance analysis to ensure proper fit and function
- Expertise with SolidWorks CAD and SolidWorks PDM for configuration management
- Strong problem-solving skills with a hands-on approach to troubleshooting
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for collaboration
- Experience with document management and change control
- Quick learner with an aptitude for understanding complex mechanical sub-assemblies and 3D models
- Working knowledge of manufacturing techniques and processes
- Ability to interpret technical material, define problem statements, create test plans, collect data, establish facts, and communicate conclusions effectively
Preferred Skills
- Ability to translate user needs into product and functional requirements
- Familiarity with a wide range of mechanical design options (3D printed, machined, cast, stamped, welded, injection molded, sheet metal parts)
- Experience collaborating with cross-departmental teams
Key Characteristics
- Excellent interpersonal skills with focus on engagement, teamwork, and a positive attitude
- Self-starter capable of independent work, solution formulation, and prioritization
- Strong organizational skills including attention to detail, time management, and multi-tasking
- Meticulous, detail-oriented, and delivers high-quality outcomes
- Enjoys collaborating to solve technical challenges
- Creative, critical thinking, and agile problem-solving approach
- Adaptable and open to adjusting methods based on new information
- Thrives in fast-paced projects; capable of making quick, well-reasoned decisions
- Inquisitive and passionate about learning
- Willing to try new approaches, iterate quickly, and learn from failures
- Agile mindset, able to explore parallel options and recommend best approaches
Qualifications
- Required Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering
- Solidworks design experience
- Required Experience: Minimum 7+ years in product design, development, and testing of mechanical subsystems
