Staff Mechanical Engineer

Title                                  Staff Mechanical Engineer

Department                     Engineering

Location                           Niwot/Hybrid

Reports To                       Mechanical Engineering Manager

About Us

Established in 1972, Particle Measuring Systems is a global leader for micro-contamination monitoring equipment improving the performance of clean manufactures in the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries.  We’re a growing technology company in Niwot, Colorado, the heart of the Rocky Mountains.  We offer an exceptional and rewarding work environment in a great place to live.  Our employees enjoy challenging projects in the development and manufacture of light scattering particle counters and diverse technologies and applications.

Your Impact

We are looking for a Staff Mechanical Engineer who will contribute to the success of the Mechanical Engineering Team, applying their expertise in engineering and design to support the achievement of team and company goals and deliver innovative, reliable solutions.  In this role, the successful candidate will collaborate effectively with colleagues and cross-functional teams, demonstrate strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, and maintain a commitment to professional excellence, quality and continuous improvement.

The Role

The Staff Mechanical Engineer will collaborate well with cross-functional team members and efficiently multi-task between a variety of projects. Tasks will include a wide spectrum of mechanical engineering responsibilities including conceptualizing, creating, and implementing mechanical engineering solutions using methods and tools such as DFMEA, rapid prototyping, test protocol and execution, as well as advanced engineering simulation using finite element analysis, computational fluid dynamics, and thermal analysis. As a lead member of the mechanical engineering team, you will be the go-to person for complex mechanical engineering solutions for air and liquid particle counting systems.

Job Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with optical engineers, scientists, and cross-functional development teams to translate advanced theoretical concepts into manufacturable product designs.

• Design and develop high-precision optical and opto-mechanical assemblies for airborne and liquid particle counting systems.

• Design and develop highly reliable mechanical and opto-mechanical systems with consideration for manufacturability, serviceability, scalability, and long-term product performance.

• Perform advanced engineering analysis including CFD, thermal modeling, structural simulation, and tolerance analysis to optimize system performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

• Coordinate technical activities with external optical design firms, subsystem vendors, fabrication partners, and engineering suppliers.

• Ideate and transform concepts into reality by designing components in CAD, coordinating fabrication of parts, developing prototype hardware, and leading system-level verification activities.

• Lead product hardware failure analysis and troubleshooting efforts on prototype and legacy products.

• Prepare system block diagrams, technical specifications, engineering documentation, and statements of work.

• May serve as a technical project leader on smaller-scale hardware projects and lead teams of mechanical engineers and technicians on larger development efforts.

• Prepare for, lead, and participate in design reviews while documenting resulting actions, recommendations, and follow-up activities.

• Evaluate and apply emerging engineering technologies and methodologies, including AI-assisted and generative design tools, to improve product development efficiency and innovation.

• Mentor, coach, and provide technical leadership to junior and senior mechanical engineering team members, fostering professional growth, engineering rigor, and cross-functional collaboration.

• Support and drive risk management, configuration management, and engineering change control activities to ensure product quality, traceability, and reliability.

• Support product lifecycle activities including sustaining engineering, root cause analysis, design improvements, and manufacturing support.

• Continuously evaluate engineering processes for improvements in efficiency, quality, reliability, and safety.

• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Responsibilities may evolve over time, and other related duties may be assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the company.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

• 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience in advanced product development environments.

• Demonstrated experience designing high-precision optical and opto-mechanical systems.

• Experience collaborating with optical scientists and PhD-level engineering teams to translate theoretical designs into production-ready hardware.

• Strong proficiency in CAD design and mechanical system development; SolidWorks certification preferred.

• Hands-on experience with CFD, thermal analysis, and finite element analysis tools.

• Experience integrating commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and third-party subsystems into complex engineering products.

• Experience working with external engineering partners, suppliers, and optical design firms.

• Strong troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and prototype development skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

• Knowledge of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), Quality by Design (QbD), LEAN engineering methodologies, or related structured product development approaches.

• Experience working within Agile hardware development environments and cross-functional iterative design processes.

• Familiarity with AI-assisted engineering or generative design tools.

• Experience in semiconductor, analytical instrumentation, aerospace, medical device, or other high-precision technology industries.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This is an “in-office” position 75-100% of the time.  The remainder of the time you may work from home.  These percentages are targets with the actual schedule to be determined in conjunction with the Manager's expectations for the position.

• This role primarily operates in an office/lab/manufacturing environment.  Must be able to sit, stand, and use a computer for extended periods of time.

• Occasional lifting of up to 20 lbs. may be required.

• Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary range: $130,000 - $160,000 depending on experience

  • Our compensation philosophy: we offer competitive pay based on market data, including local, national, and industry benchmarks.  For new hires, offers are generally within the established min- to mid-point of the range for the role, with flexibility to recognize experience, skills, and education.  Our approach ensures fair pay internally while remaining competitive externally and allows room for growth.

• Comprehensive benefits package:

  • Health coverage: medical, dental, vision, fsa, onsite clinic (CO employees), life insurance

  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match

  • Vacation, holiday, and leave policies

  • Tuition reimbursement, Employee recognition programs, Employee assistance programs

Particle Measuring Systems is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to building an inclusive and supportive workplace where everyone can thrive

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