About Voyant Photonics
Voyant Photonics, based in the heart of New York City, is transforming machine perception with a new class of LiDAR devices that are compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand and powerful enough to measure range, velocity, and reflectivity with unparalleled accuracy. By leveraging cutting-edge silicon photonic chips smaller than your fingertip, we deliver sensors that are not only revolutionary in performance but also affordable enough to integrate into any system.
Our technology disrupts the status quo of bulky, expensive, and power-hungry LiDAR systems, making high-precision sensing accessible for widespread adoption in robotics, autonomous vehicles, drones, industrial automation, and beyond. With Voyant, the next generation of machines can see, understand, and navigate the world like never before.
Discover how we’re redefining what’s possible by making real products out of cutting edge research in silicon photonics.
Position Overview
In this Lead Mechanical Engineer (product design) role, you will lead the end-to-end mechanical design of our LIDAR products, going beyond individual components to define how the full system comes together. This includes integrating electrical, optical, and thermal subsystems into a cohesive, manufacturable, and robust product architecture.
We are looking for a mechanical engineer who embodies true product ownership—someone who can think at the system level, drive key design decisions, and take responsibility for how all the physical elements of the product interconnect. You will own the physical layout and mechanical design decisions that drive performance, reliability, and usability across the entire device.
Key Responsibilities
Lead as the center of gravity for mechanical product design, ensuring the mechanical system reflects product intent, performance requirements, and cross-functional constraints.
Own the end-to-end mechanical architecture of the product, integrating optical packaging, optical lenses, electrical PCB's, and thermal solutions into a cohesive, manufacturable design.
Develop compact, rugged, and IP-rated enclosures for LiDAR sensors that meet environmental and mechanical requirements (shock, vibration, ingress protection, etc.).
Design precision mechanical components and assemblies for optical elements such as lenses and mirrors.
Model and implement cooling strategies to manage thermal loads.
Create detailed 3D models, engineering drawings, and BOMs using tools like SolidWorks or Creo.
Rapid prototype mechanical designs and support validation through thermal, mechanical, and environmental testing.
Optimize designs for high volume manufacturing processes.
Work closely with optical, electrical, and product teams to ensure design compatibility and product performance.
Interface with vendors and contract manufacturers to review DFM, tolerances, materials, and production processes.
Required Qualifications
B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
3+ years of experience in mechanical product design, preferably in opto-mechanical or sensor systems.
Proficiency in 3D CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent).
Experience with thermal simulation tools (Solidworks Simulation, ANSYS, Icepak, or similar).
Strong understanding of tolerancing and material selection for optics and electronics enclosures.
Familiarity with optical alignment principles and vibration/shock isolation techniques.
Familiarity with system level reliability analysis and approaches to validate designs.
Excellent problem-solving, documentation, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with LiDAR, camera systems, medical equipment or other optical sensing technologies.
Familiarity with FEA, CFD, or multi-physics simulation.
Background in automotive or aerospace environmental standards.
Hands-on lab experience with alignment, assembly, and testing of optical systems.
Competitive base salary and meaningful equity package.
Comprehensive health benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision).
Unlimited PTO and paid company holidays.
Team events and company meetups.