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Mechanical Engineer


Job Location:

Tucson, AZ - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 75540 - 98201
Posted: 26 July 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 23 October 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Mechanical Engineer
Posting Numberreq26613
DepartmentJames C Wyant Coll Optical Sci
Department Website Link Campus
AddressTucson AZ USA
Position Highlights

The James C. Wyant College of Optical Sciences is seeking applicants for a Design Specialist that will create large opto-mechanical systems for the Optical Fabrication & Engineering Facility. *Due to ITAR/EAR restrictions the successful candidate must be a U.S. Citizen or hold permanent resident status.

Duties Summary:

  • Creates opto-mechanical system designs meeting mechanical and optical requirements.
  • Optimizes mechanical and optical performance of systems through iterative design processes including FEA and thermal analysis.
  • Performs tolerance analysis at system and subsystem level.
  • Works with a design and engineering team to create full drawing packages with GD&T and detailed AIT (assembly integration and testing) plans.
  • Provides practical hands-on skills in working with engineers and technicians in a lab environment.
  • Works with vendors to manufacture parts subsystems and systems per requirements and works with peers and management.
  • Creates technical documents such as reports slides and plans.
  • Support design reviews such as CoDR PDR and CDR.
  • Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

    Outstanding U of A benefits include health dental and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation sick leave and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

    The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services please click here.

Duties & Responsibilities
  • Creates mechanical system designs meeting mechanical and optical requirements.
  • Optimizes mechanical and optical performance of systems through iterative design processes including FEA and thermal analysis.
  • Creates technical documents such as reports slides and plans.
  • Support design reviews such as CoDR PDR and CDR.
  • Provides practical hands-on skills in working with engineers and technicians in a lab environment.
  • Works with vendors to manufacture parts subsystems and systems per requirements and works with peers and management.
  • Performs tolerance analysis at system and subsystem level.
  • Works with a design and engineering team to create full drawing packages with GD&T and detailed AIT (assembly integration and testing) plans.
  • Supports developing proposals.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

  • Good understanding of engineering mechanics.
  • Knowledge and skills in applying engineering principles and procedures to develop practical engineering solutions.
  • Good understanding of fabrication process.
  • Good understanding of dimensional measurement and QA process.
  • 3D modeling using a CAD tool (Experience in Solidworks and PDMWorks preferred.)
  • FEA modeling and analysis of Opto-mechanical system (Experience in Ansys preferred.).
  • Design experience with opto-mechanical systems preferred.
  • Geometric Dimensions and Tolerances per ASME Y14.5-2018 or ISO GPS


This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering OR equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
  • At least 3 years of work experience.
  • Due to ITAR/EAR restrictions the successful candidate must be a U.S. Citizen or hold permanent resident status.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience developing component sub-system and system level drawings including assembly drawings preferred.
  • Experience with presenting reports and summaries for management including problem reports technical summaries and design trade studies preferred.
  • Familiarity with NASA workmanship standards is preferred.
FLSAExempt
Full Time/Part TimeFull Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week40
Job FTE1.0
Work CalendarFiscal
Job CategoryResearch
Benefits EligibleYes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay$75540 - $98201
Compensation Typesalary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade10
Compensation GuidanceThe Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizonas good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer including but not limited to the role and associated responsibilities a candidates work experience education/training key skills and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and LevelPC2
Job FamilyResearch Engineering
Job FunctionResearch
Type of criminal background check required:Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies1
Target Hire Date9/28/2026
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Open Date7/24/2026
Open Until FilledYes
Documents Needed to ApplyCurriculum Vitae (CV)
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety ReportIn compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act) each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the Universitys disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies procedures and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems policies and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at

Required Experience:

IC