Mechanical Engineer III

Attalon / Location Overview

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

ATTALON  in Traverse City, Michigan is a vertically integrated manufacturing and R&D campus specializing in high‑performance optical isolators, photodetectors, and laser solutions for industrial, medical, scientific, and research applications. The site encompasses 40,000 sq. ft., including 15,000 sq. ft. of ISO 7 and ISO 8 cleanrooms certified to ISO 14644‑1:2015, enabling both high‑volume production and rapid prototyping in a controlled environment.

At ATTALON inc. in Traverse City, MI we foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our teams work in a state-of-the-art facility with advanced cleanrooms, precision manufacturing, and cutting-edge R&D labs, enabling us to deliver world-class optical solutions. We value continuous improvement, technical excellence, and teamwork, leveraging vertical integration to accelerate design cycles and meet challenging customer requirements. Employees thrive in an environment that combines high-tech engineering with hands-on problem solving, where ideas move quickly from concept to production. If you’re passionate about precision, creativity, and making an impact in photonics, you’ll fit right in.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer III for our location in Traverse City, MI. As a Mechanical Engineer III you will play a pivotal role in Attalon’s new product development. This role will support one or more individual development projects ranging from simple modifications of existing products and/or technology to the creation of new complex products and/or technology. The Mechanical Engineer III will work with a cross-functional team to create innovative and enabling components and test methods for the photonics industry, with a specific focus on high power faraday isolator, fiber optic component, and diode laser pump technologies. You will work with a cross-functional team to create innovative and enabling components for the photonics industry while also engaging with customers and suppliers to create and enable Attalon’s future success. 

Responsibilities:

• Support various projects within Product Development utilizing the PDP Process as appropriate.
• Design and testing of mechanical, optical and electronic components and devices
• Create and maintain documentation (drawings, bills of material, device assembly procedures, schematics, test procedures, ISO, etc)
• Ability to perform and summarize research on state-of-the-art materials and technologies from scientific and technical journals
• Assist production department with design and performance issues
• Lead Product development projects and reporting out to management on project status
• Work with various company departments and customers on design and scheduling issues
• Technical customer interface on projects and general support for sales department
• Prototyping of optomechanical assemblies and test fixtures
• Lead technical staff involved in a project
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or physics
• 5+ years of experience in Engineering/Product Development
• Modeling proficiency using software such as Solidworks/CATIA/Siemens NX
• Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software
• Working knowledge of ASME Y14 dimensioning & tolerancing standards including GD&T
• Strong critical thinking skills
• Strong communication and organizational skills
• Ability to use complex equipment, read difficult instructions, and maintain written records

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with ERP Systems, such as IFS Cloud
• Experience with design for manufacturability (machining, 3D printing, injection molding, etc.)
• Knowledge of laser optics (fiber and bulk) and physics
• Technical understanding of feedback control algorithms and control logic
• Experience with R&D/NPI in an optics focused industry. 
• Familiarity with Zemax or equivalent optical modeling software

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.