Senior Mechanical Design Associate

Berkeley Lab is hiring a Senior Mechanical Design Associate to lead technical and mechanical design projects. The role involves independently creating and actively managing 3D CAD models, generating detailed drawings for manufacturing and integration of parts or assemblies, using CAD software in concert with product lifecycle management tools, and adhering to standard mechanical engineering principles.

What You Will Do:

• Lead or work with a small team to develop mechanical, mechatronic, or opto-mechanical systems for LBNL's scientific mission.
• Use mechanical engineering expertise to create and manage 3D CAD models and functional drawings from concepts.
• Apply GD&T to communicate design intent to manufacturing and integration teams.
• Assist in creating work instructions and provide status updates to peers and supervisors.
• Integrate CAD models from partner institutions into the LBNL managed CAD system
• Assess alternative designs considering cost, schedule, and material constraints.
• Communicate effectively with supervisors, peers, and clients throughout all phases of work.
• Mentor and supervise mechanical design associates.

Additional Responsibilities as Needed:

• May lead a team of employees or oversee the operations of a laboratory or facility as needed.

What is Required:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field with 10+ years of experience, or 12+ years of experience with mechanical CAD designs.
• Proficient in 3D CAD software (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks, Inventor) and product lifecycle management tools (e.g., Windchill, SAP, Siemens Opcenter).
• Intermediate knowledge of mechanical engineering, manufacturing principles, and GD&T standards (ASME Y14.5M/ISO 1101).
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to create component and assembly designs using 3D CAD software.
• Develop and manage detailed 3D models and 2D drawings from conceptual designs (e.g., sketches).
• Proven ability to translate project goals into functional mechanical designs.
• Assemble CAD and drawing packages for budgetary bidding purposes; ability to contact vendors to obtain budgetary bids.
• Experienced in managing complex assemblies, including parent-child relationships and top-down design.
• Collaborate with a diverse technical team (mechanical, electrical, magnetic engineers, and scientists) to define mechanical designs, potentially leading the team.
• Ability to take generic CAD formats from collaborating institutions and integrate them into the LBNL lifecycle management software; continually maintain and manage CAD from collaborating institutions
• Expert in two or more design areas: reverse engineering, cabling/piping layouts, 3D printing, opto-mechanical systems, mechatronics, vacuum systems, structural supports, design for manufacturing/assembly.
• Assist in creating work instructions, follow design standards, and manage CAD models/documents using lifecycle management software.
• Experience with change control processes and cost/schedule estimation.
• Mentor junior designers on fundamental design skills.
• Strong communication skills; adaptable and quick to learn new tools and technologies.
• Track record of delivering multiple projects from concept through completion.

Desired Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field with 12+ years of experience, or 14+ years in mechanical CAD design.
• Experience leading, supervising, and mentoring a small (2+) mechanical design team.
• Proficient in Creo Parametric and PTC Windchill.
• Certified in ASME Y14.5M GD&T.
• Experience assisting project and control account managers with cost and schedule estimation for mechanical design.

Notes:

• For full consideration, please apply by October 8, 2025.
• This is a full-time career appointment, exempt (monthly paid) from overtime pay.
• The expected salary range for this position is $114,000 - $139,000 annually, which fits into the full salary range of $101,184 - $170,772 annually depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. A REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer: The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.