Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer, X-Ray Optics

About the Role

Rigaku Americas is seeking a Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer to lead the design, development, integration, and optimization of advanced X-ray optical systems at our R&D facility in The Woodlands, Texas. This role will work closely with X-ray scientists, physicists, and engineers to develop next-generation X-ray optics, instrumentation, and experimental platforms. The Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer will provide technical leadership in precision mechanical design, opto-mechanical integration, vacuum-compatible systems, and experimental hardware development while supporting the transition of innovative concepts from research through prototype validation and commercialization.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of precision opto-mechanical systems for X-ray optics, including mirrors, monochromators, X-ray sources, multilayer optics, and related components.
• Collaborate with X-ray optical scientists and engineers to translate experimental requirements and optical performance objectives into robust mechanical designs.
• Perform tolerance analyses, thermal analyses, vibration studies, and structural evaluations to ensure system performance and long-term stability.
• Design ultra-stable mounts, positioning systems, vacuum-compatible structures, alignment mechanisms, housings, and supporting hardware.
• Develop detailed 3D CAD models, engineering drawings, and GD&T specifications for fabrication and assembly.
• Support assembly, integration, alignment, characterization, and testing of X-ray optical systems and subsystems.
• Participate in system verification, performance optimization, and troubleshooting efforts during research, development, and production activities.
• Investigate and resolve mechanical and opto-mechanical challenges encountered during prototype development and experimental operation.
• Work closely with internal manufacturing teams and external suppliers to ensure designs are manufacturable, testable, reliable, and cost-effective.
• Support prototype fabrication, design reviews, engineering change management, and technical documentation activities.
• Document design calculations, analyses, test results, engineering modifications, and design iterations throughout the product lifecycle.
• Contribute to the development of next-generation X-ray technologies supporting Rigaku's growth in semiconductor, materials science, synchrotron, and advanced research markets.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Opto-Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Engineering Physics, or a related technical discipline. Required.
• 5-10 years of experience designing precision mechanical or opto-mechanical systems in scientific instrumentation, advanced manufacturing, optics, photonics, or related fields.
• Experience developing and supporting complex R&D projects involving precision systems, laboratory instrumentation, or advanced experimental platforms.
• Demonstrated experience with mechanical design, analysis, prototype development, testing, and product realization.
• Experience working in multidisciplinary environments with scientists, physicists, researchers, and engineers.

Skills

• Proficiency with 3D CAD software such as SolidWorks or equivalent mechanical design platforms.
• Strong understanding of opto-mechanical design principles, including alignment sensitivity, thermal stability, vibration control, precision motion, and structural performance.
• Experience performing tolerance stack-ups, structural analysis, thermal analysis, and engineering calculations.
• Practical experience with precision positioning systems, nanopositioning devices, interferometric alignment systems, or ultra-stable mechanical assemblies.
• Familiarity with vacuum systems, vacuum-compatible materials, contamination control, and clean assembly practices.
• Hands-on experience assembling, integrating, aligning, testing, and troubleshooting complex mechanical or optical systems.
• Strong analytical and experimental problem-solving skills with the ability to diagnose and resolve technical challenges in laboratory and development settings.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to engineering quality.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including preparation of technical documentation and presentations.
• Ability to work independently in a research-driven environment while collaborating effectively across engineering and scientific disciplines.
• Comfortable working in iterative development environments where experimentation, rapid learning, and continuous improvement are critical.

Preferred Qualifications

• X-ray optics, synchrotron instrumentation, beamline systems, or X-ray source technologies.
• Hands-on experience with X-ray optical components such as mirrors, monochromators, multilayers, zone plates, and related precision optical assemblies.
• Laboratory or synchrotron experimental support, including alignment, characterization, and performance optimization.
• Scientific instrumentation, semiconductor tools, microscopy platforms, photonics systems, or other advanced analytical technologies.
• Finite Element Analysis (FEA) tools and simulation software.
• Motion control systems, automation platforms, and precision mechatronics.

Benefits

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), and Life Insurance
• Section 125 Flexible Spending Accounts
• 401(k) Plan