Mechanical Design Associate

The Berkeley Lab's Engineering Division is hiring a Mechanical Design Associate to support LBNL’s research initiatives, including the Advanced Light Source (ALS), Berkeley Lab Laser Accelerator (BELLA), ALS-Upgrade project, and DUNE project.

In this role, you will help engineers and scientists turn conceptual ideas into complete 3D CAD models and detailed manufacturing drawings. You’ll use CAD and product lifecycle management software, along with basic mechanical engineering principles, to communicate design intent and assist with component and assembly integration.

What You Will Do:

Mechanical Design Associate:

• Collaborate individually or as part of a team to develop mechanical, mechatronic, and opto-mechanical systems that support LBNL’s scientific mission.
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to create 3D CAD models from initial concepts (sketches or written descriptions) to functional manufacturing drawings.
• Use Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to communicate design intent through technical drawings and support documents.
• Assist in creating work instructions as needed.
• Reverse engineer existing equipment to produce as-built CAD models and drawings, including updating older CAD models to current software.
  
  

Senior Mechanical Design Associate, In Addition To The Above:

• Work independently or lead a small team of mechanical designers on multi-disciplinary projects supporting LBNL’s scientific mission.
• Develop 3D CAD models from initial concepts to functional manufacturing drawings.
• Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to communicate design intent through technical drawings.
• Assist in creating work instructions as needed.
• Provide status updates on assignments to peers and supervisors.
• Mentor and supervise mechanical design associates.
  
  

Principal Mechanical Design Associate, In Addition To The Above:

• Lead a team of mechanical designers on multi-disciplinary projects to develop advanced mechanical, mechatronic, and opto-mechanical systems for LBNL’s scientific mission.
• Create 3D CAD models from concepts to functional manufacturing drawings.
• Develop hierarchical model trees for the design team.
• Apply advanced Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) to convey design intent through technical drawings.
  
  

What Is Required:

Mechanical Design Associate:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, or 2+ years of experience in mechanical CAD design. Proficient in 3D CAD software (e.g., Creo Parametric, SolidWorks, Inventor).
• Familiarity with product lifecycle management software (e.g., Windchill, SAP, Siemens Opcenter Quality).
• Basic understanding of mechanical engineering and manufacturing principles.
• Knowledge of GD&T standards (ASME Y14.5M and/or ISO 1101).
• Apply basic mechanical engineering principles to component and assembly designs using 3D CAD software.
• Transform conceptual designs (including sketches) into detailed 3D CAD models and 2D drawings.
• Collaborate with diverse technical teams (mechanical, electrical, and magnetic engineers) to define mechanical designs based on specifications.
• Use GD&T (ASME Y14.5) to communicate design intent to fabrication and integration teams.
• Adapt quickly to new skills and technologies.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with engineers and scientists.
• Knowledgeable in areas like reverse engineering, 3D cabling and piping layouts, 3D printing, opto-mechanical systems, mechatronics, vacuum systems, structural supports, and design for manufacturing/assembly.
• Assist in developing work instructions.
• Follow LBNL's engineering design standards and use product lifecycle management software for CAD models and documents.
• Basic understanding of change control processes.
  
  

Senior Mechanical Design Associate:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field, or 5+ years of mechanical CAD design experience.
• Proficient in 3D CAD software (e.g., Creo Parametric, SolidWorks, Inventor).
• Experience with product lifecycle management software (e.g., Windchill, SAP, Siemens Opcenter Quality).
• Intermediate understanding of mechanical engineering and manufacturing principles.
• Intermediate knowledge of GD&T standards (ASME Y14.5M and/or ISO 1101).
• Apply mechanical engineering principles to component and assembly designs using 3D CAD software.
• Convert conceptual designs (including sketches) into detailed 3D models and 2D drawings.
• Collaborate with diverse technical teams (mechanical, electrical, and magnetic engineers) and may lead the mechanical design team.
• Use GD&T (ASME Y14.5) to communicate design intent to fabrication and integration teams.
• Adapt and apply new skills and technologies effectively.
• Communicate clearly with engineers and scientists, both orally and in writing.
• Possess advanced knowledge in multiple design areas: reverse engineering, 3D cabling and piping layouts, 3D printing, opto-mechanical systems, mechatronics, vacuum systems, structural supports, and design for manufacturing/assembly.
• Assist in developing work instructions.
• Follow LBNL’s engineering design standards and use product lifecycle management software for CAD models and documents.
• Knowledgeable in change control processes.
• Train and mentor junior mechanical design associates.
• Estimate costs and schedules for mechanical design activities.
  
  

Principal Mechanical Design Associate:

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field with 8+ years of experience, or 12+ years of mechanical CAD design experience.
• Experience supervising and mentoring mechanical design associates.
• Proficient in Creo Parametric.
• Familiar with PTC Windchill product lifecycle management software.
• Technical or professional certification in ASME Y14.5M GD&T.
• Apply advanced mechanical engineering principles to component and assembly designs using 3D CAD software.
• Transform conceptual designs (including sketches) into detailed 3D models and 2D drawings.
• Collaborate with diverse technical teams (mechanical, electrical, magnetic) to define mechanical designs and may lead the design team.
• Use GD&T (ASME Y14.5) to communicate design intent to fabrication and integration teams.
• Adapt quickly to new skills and technologies.
• Communicate effectively with engineers and scientists, both orally and in writing.
• Possess advanced knowledge in three or more areas: reverse engineering, 3D cabling and piping layouts, 3D printing, opto-mechanical systems, mechatronics, vacuum systems, structural supports, and design for manufacturing/assembly.
• Assist in developing work instructions.
• Follow and refine LBNL’s engineering design standards and use product lifecycle management software for CAD models and documents.
• Knowledgeable in change control processes.
• Train and mentor junior and senior mechanical design associates.
• Estimate costs and schedules for mechanical design activities.
  
  

Desired Qualifications:

Mechanical Design Associate:

• Experience with Creo Parametric.
• Experience with PTC Windchill product lifecycle management software.
• Technical or Professional level certification in ASME Y14.5M GD&T.
  
  

Senior Mechanical Design Associate, In Addition To The Above:

• Proven leadership in managing a small team of mechanical design associates.
• Experience supervising mechanical design associates.
• Proficient in Creo Parametric and PTC Windchill product lifecycle management software.
• Assist project and control account managers in estimating costs and schedules for mechanical design.
  
  

Principal Mechanical Design Associate, In Addition To The Above:

• Experience supervising and mentoring mechanical design associates.
• Proficient in Creo Parametric and PTC Windchill product lifecycle management software.
  
  

Salary:

Mechanical Design Associate:

This position is expected to pay a targeted range of $93,000.00 to $114,000.00 annually and has a full salary range of $82,728.00 to $139,644.00 annually. The final salary is dependent upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.

Senior Mechanical Design Associate:

This position is expected to pay a targeted range of $111,000.00 to $136,000.00 annually and has a full salary range of $99,000.00 to $167,100.00 annually. The final salary is dependent upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.

Principal Mechanical Design Associate:

This position is expected to pay a targeted range of $135,000.00 to $165,000.00 annually and has a full salary range of $119,988.00 to $202,488.00 annually. The final salary is dependent upon the candidate’s skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.

Notes:

• This is a full-time 2 year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• This position may be 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.
• This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule with a minimum of 3 days per week onsite. A hybrid work schedule is a combination of teleworking and performing work on site at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Individuals working a hybrid schedule must reside within 150 miles of Berkeley Lab. Work schedules are dependent on business needs, and remote work schedules may be considered.
  
  

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

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