Job Title:  Jr Mechanical Design Engineer

The Junior Mechanical Design Engineer supports the design, development, and improvement of precision mechanical assemblies for EMT products used in electron microscopy applications. This position is based at the Pleasanton, CA site, working closely with senior mechanical engineers, configuration engineering, electrical engineers, NPI, manufacturing, and service teams.

The role emphasizes hands‑on mechanical design, CAD modeling, drawing release, prototype build support, and close collaboration with cross‑functional partners and suppliers. The engineer will contribute to both new product development (NPI) and sustaining engineering, with increasing ownership over defined components and sub‑systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Mechanical Design & Engineering Support

• Design mechanical parts and sub‑assemblies under the guidance of senior engineers, from concept through production release.
• Create and maintain 3D CAD models, detailed part drawings, and assemblies using, Inventor and SolidWorks CAD tools.
• Apply basic GD&T per ANSI/ASME Y14.5 standards to drawings.
• Support integration of mechanical components with electrical, thermal, and electromechanical systems.

New Product Introduction (NPI) & Sustaining Engineering

• Participate as a contributing team member on NPI programs led from the Pleasanton site.
• Support engineering changes, product updates, and sustaining efforts for released products.
• Assist with Value Analysis / Value Engineering (VAVE) activities focused on cost reduction, manufacturability, and performance improvements.

Prototype Build, Test & Lab Support

• Support hands‑on assembly of prototypes and pre‑production units in the Pleasanton lab.
• Assist with basic functional and mechanical testing and document observations and results.
• Work with senior engineers to incorporate test feedback into design revisions.

Manufacturing & Supplier Collaboration

• Work closely with manufacturing team to ensure designs meet DFM/DFA requirements.
• Interface with local and international suppliers to clarify drawings, tolerances, and fabrication questions, with senior engineer support.
• Assist with tooling, fixtures, and packaging design as needed.

Cross‑Functional Communication

• Collaborate with Electrical, Controls, NPI, Manufacturing, Service, and Supply Chain teams located in Pleasanton and globally.
• Participate in design reviews and technical discussions with guidance from senior engineers.
• Clearly communicate technical information in both written and verbal form.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
• 3+ years of relevant mechanical design experience, preferably in precision instruments, electromechanical systems, or capital equipment.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (Inventor, SolidWorks, ProE, or similar).
• Working knowledge of:
• Mechanical drawings and basic GD&T
• Machined and sheet‑metal part design
• Fundamental mechanical and thermal principles
• Hands‑on experience supporting prototype builds and testing.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team‑based, on‑site engineering environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with FEA tools (ANSYS or similar).
• Experience with PLM systems (Agile PLM preferred).
• Familiarity with instrumentation, semiconductor, or electron microscopy equipment.
• Understands manufacturing processes for metals and plastics.
• Experience working in a regulated or high‑precision engineering environment.

Role Scope & Development:

• Works under general supervision with clearly defined objectives.
• Owns discrete components or sub‑assemblies within larger system designs.
• Receives mentoring and technical guidance from senior and staff engineers at the Pleasanton site.
• No people management responsibilities.

About Us:

Gatan is the world's leading manufacturer of instrumentation and software used to enhance and extend the operation and performance of electron microscopes. The Gatan name is recognized and respected throughout the worldwide scientific community and has been synonymous with high quality products and the industry's leading technology.