Bruker is enabling scientists to make breakthrough discoveries and develop new applications that improve the quality of human life. Bruker’s high-performance scientific instruments and high-value analytical and diagnostic solutions enable scientists to explore life and materials at molecular, cellular and microscopic levels. In close cooperation with our customers, Bruker is enabling innovation, improved productivity and customer success in life science molecular research, in applied and pharma applications, in microscopy and nanoanalysis, and in industrial applications, as well as in cell biology, preclinical imaging, clinical phenomics and proteomics research and clinical microbiology.

Today, worldwide more than +11000 employees are working on this permanent challenge at over 90 locations on all continents. Bruker continues to build upon its extensive range of products and solutions, its broad base of installed systems and a strong reputation among its customers. Being one of the world's leading analytical instrumentation companies, Bruker is strongly committed to further fully meet its customers’ needs as well as to continue to develop state-of-the-art technologies and innovative solutions for today's analytical questions.

The Position

The Staff Mechanical Design Engineer supports the mechanical design, analysis, prototyping, test, documentation, and release for our leading-edge Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs). Responsibilities include the full range of product development from concept through commercialization. Preferred candidates will have experience in some or all: precision mechanical design (high stiffness and thermal stability, low stress, FEA, etc.), optical and opto-mechanical design, mechatronics, and sub-micron motion control. This position requires strong initiative, effective cross-functional teamwork, a hands-on approach, and deep technical expertise. Candidates should be self-starters with the ability to set goals and achieve them with minimal supervision and have a high level for attention to detail.  This position is based in Santa Barbara, CA.

This is a contract position with the possibilty to convert to full-time emlpoyment. Hourly pay approximately $74-85/hour. 

• Define overall mechanical requirements, architecture, interfaces, and theory of operation.
• Convert high-level system requirements into subsystem specifications.
• Evaluate alternative design approaches by performing analysis, modeling, and trade studies.
• Perform mechanical design, analysis, hands-on prototyping, and system integration.
• Select mechanical components based on function, availability, reliability, and cost.
• Work closely with functional teams and OEM suppliers to achieve challenging design requirements, and reliable, manufacturable, serviceable, and testable designs.
• Develop test plans and methodologies to objectively verify performance against requirements.
• Design test fixtures to ensure compliance to product and manufacturing specifications.
• Create product documentation, including BOM’s, fabrication files, and assembly drawings.
• Provide technical troubleshooting and failure analysis.
• Document project decisions and provide appropriate cross-functional team communication.
• Serve as technical interface with 3^rd party development partners and vendors to ensure quality.

Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
Minimum of 8-10 years of related work experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge in some or all:
• Precision mechanical design (high stiffness & thermal stability, low stress, FEA, etc.).
• Precision machining, sheet metal fabrication, plastic injection molding, welding, and castings.
• Optical and opto-mechanical design.
• Mechatronics and sub-micron motion control.
• Mechanical CAD (SolidWorks) and modeling software (Ansys, Zemax).
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Strong work ethic, team oriented, curious, creative, and committed to quality.

Bruker is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, and

other legally protected characteristics.

Certain positions at Bruker require compliance with export control laws and as a result, all interviewed candidates for all positions will be screened pre-interview to determine their eligibility in light of export control restrictions.

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