Clera→
Senior Mechanical Engineer at Clera in Detroit
Job Description
About the Role
Own major mechanical subsystems for ruggedized, field-deployable directed-energy systems, from architecture through production handoff. You will work on a lean engineering team to help ensure high-performance equipment operates reliably in demanding field conditions.
What You'll Do
Design and validate mechanical subsystems, including laser source enclosures, gimbal and beam director structures, and precision mounts.
Perform static, modal, random vibration, and shock response spectrum FEA, then correlate results with bench and field testing.
Develop thermal management solutions for high-power laser and electronics packaging across thermal cycles.
Build, instrument, and operate test rigs to characterize systems ahead of field deployment.
Design to MIL-STD-810 shock and vibration requirements and other austere-environment standards.
Take designs from concept through prototyping, bench validation, field testing, and manufacturing handoff.
Lead design reviews, collaborate with senior engineers, mentor junior team members, and travel to field test events.
What We're Looking For
At least 5 years of mechanical engineering experience with ruggedized, field-deployable, or high-performance systems, including taking a subsystem from prototype to production.
Strong hands-on FEA experience with ANSYS, Nastran, Abaqus, or equivalent, including test validation and correlation.
Experience designing to MIL-STD-810 or equivalent shock and vibration standards, and with precision optomechanical packaging.
Thermal management experience on high-power systems, plus experience building and running bench test rigs and instrumentation.
Experience with design for manufacturability and production handoff.
BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field.
Background in lasers, directed energy, ruggedized optical benches, or vehicle-mounted systems is a plus.
U.S. citizenship is required.
Compensation & Benefits
Base salary: $165,000 to $210,000 annually. Visa sponsorship is not available.
Location
On-site in Detroit, Michigan, with travel for field tests and range validation.