Senior Optomechanical + NPI Engineer

About Pendar Technologies

Pendar Technologies is a small, growing high-tech company that is advancing the field of intelligent chemical analysis. Leveraging advanced Raman laser spectroscopy and robust detection algorithms, our flagship product, the Pendar X10, represents the forefront of opto-mechanical innovation in hazardous material identification, which we manufacture onsite. Our innovative solutions assist first responders, law enforcement, and military personnel in identifying the chemicals they encounter in the field. Join Pendar to become part of a place that's developing cutting-edge technology and is making a significant impact safeguarding our country and communities.

About the Role

Pendar Technologies is seeking a Senior Optomechanical + NPI Engineer to bridge R&D and production for our advanced optical sensing systems. This role is responsible for taking designs from prototype to a producible, reliable, high-yield product by developing advanced automated manufacturing platforms — you will be owning the platform's ongoing success once it's live. You'll design the optomechanical systems, automation cell architecture that make our systems manufacturable at scale, guiding the vision and optimization algorithms that support them. You'll stay engaged through fabrication, test, and production ramp to make sure our products and manufacturing systems actually work in practice.

This role requires a strong understanding of optical and mechanical fundamentals along with the ability to design and build experimental and optomechanical apparatuses. We're looking for someone who is an independent thinker and doer, who is sharp, learns fast, and enjoys solving real hardware challenges using analytical skills while working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Who You’ll Work With

This role reports to the VP of Optomechanical Engineering and works closely with Pendar's founding team, including the CEO and Principal Scientists. It's highly technical group, and you'll have direct exposure to key decisions from early on.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the transition of new opto-mechanical designs from R&D prototype to a stable, producible manufacturing platform. This includes design, fixturing, process development, and reliability testing including compliance with military/environmental reliability standards such as MIL-STD-810.
• Take responsibility for a platform's success in production: when something breaks, doesn't scale, or doesn't work as expected, you're the person who drives it to resolution, whether that means redesigning a component, rebuilding a test setup, or getting hands-on in the lab.
• Design and build the tools that drive success on the production line — automation cells, test fixtures, experimental setups, precision optomechanical alignment procedures — as needed for whatever problem is in front of you.
• Investigate failures at the root cause and drive corrective action across design, process, and manufacturing.

Qualifications

• • A Ph.D. in a Hardware Engineering field (e.g., Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, Robotics) or Applied Physics is preferred. Candidates with a Master's and 2+ years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's and 5+ years, are also encouraged to apply.
  • Deep understanding of optical and mechanical fundamentals
  • Experienced in CAD (SolidWorks) to quickly turn ideas into designs.
  • Hands-on skills in mechanical assembly, wiring, soldering, electronics controllers, and familiarity with machine shop tools and 3D printing.

Nice to Have

• Prior experience taking a product from prototype through NPI into production.
• Experience working with contract manufacturers, vendors, or suppliers on tooling/fixturing.
• Exposure to standard manufacturing engineering and supply chain best practices.
• Familiarity with data analysis software tools (Python, MATLAB, MINITAB, etc.) or PCB prototyping.

Location and Additional Information

• This is a full-time position, fully on-site in Cambridge, MA, accessible by car, bike, and bus
• Salary range of $100,000 to $150,000 depending on the candidate
• Competitive benefits include healthcare, dental, vision, and matching 401k