Mechatronics Engineer

Berkeley Lab is seeking a motivated Mechatronics Engineer with a strong mechanical engineering background to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will blend mechanical design skills with expertise in electronics, automation, and control systems to develop innovative solutions. You'll work with multidisciplinary teams to create reliable, efficient mechanical systems integrated with electronic controls and software, following LBNL standards. Projects include ALS-U, BELLA, CXRO, and DUNE. This role involves both office-based design and hands-on prototyping, testing, and validation.

What You Will Do:

• Design and optimize mechanical components for integrated mechatronic systems.
• Perform engineering analyses (error budget, structural, thermal, dynamic) to validate designs.
• Collaborate with electrical and software engineers to integrate mechanical systems with controls and embedded systems.
• Test and validate components to meet specifications and quality standards.
• Create detailed design documentation, including CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and assembly instructions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve design issues to improve performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Support manufacturing and assembly with technical expertise and issue resolution.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and best practices in mechatronics and mechanical engineering.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure design feasibility and product integrity.
• Apply the 'First Time Right' principle to deliver functional, manufacturable systems.
• Develop cost and schedule estimates for projects.

What is Required:

Mechatronics Engineer Level 2:

• B.S. in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with 2+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent.
• Proficient in 3D CAD (e.g., Creo, SolidWorks, Inventor) and PLM tools (e.g., Windchill, SAP, Siemens Opcenter).
• Skilled in designing and optimizing mechanical components for mechatronic systems.
• Experienced in engineering analysis (error budget, structural, thermal, dynamic) for design validation.
• Proven ability to test and validate components to meet specifications and quality standards.
• Proficient in creating detailed design documentation (CAD models, drawings, BOMs, specs, instructions).
• Adept at troubleshooting and resolving mechanical design issues to improve performance and manufacturability.
• Experienced in supporting manufacturing and assembly with technical guidance and issue resolution.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Knowledgeable in at least two of the following: kinematics, compliant mechanisms, DfX, root cause analysis, power supplies, motion control, measurement systems, dynamics.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey technical concepts clearly.

In Addition, the Mechatronics Engineer Level 3:

• B.S. in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with 7+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent.

In Addition, the Mechatronics Engineer Level 4:

• B.S. in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field with 10+ years of relevant experience, or equivalent.

Notes:

• This is a full-time 2-year, term appointment with the possibility of extension or conversion to Career appointment based upon satisfactory job performance, continuing availability of funds and ongoing operational needs.
• The expected salary for the Mechatronics Engineer Level 2 is $106,000.00 - $129,000.00, which fits into the full salary of $94,164.00 - $158,856.00 annually depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• The expected salary for the Mechatronics Engineer Level 3 is $130,000.00 - $158,000.00, which fits into the full salary of $115,176.00 - $194,340.00 annually depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• The expected salary for the Mechatronics Engineer Level 4 is $157,000.00 - $192,000.00, which fits into the full salary of $139,752.00 - $235,848.00 annually depending upon the candidate's skills, knowledge, and abilities, including education, certifications, and years of experience.
• This position is subject to a background check. Any convictions will be evaluated to determine if they directly relate to the responsibilities and requirements of the position. Having a conviction history will not automatically disqualify an applicant from being considered for employment.
• Work will be primarily performed at Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, 1 Cyclotron Road, Berkeley, CA. Starting May 7, a REAL ID or other acceptable form of identification is required to access Berkeley Lab sites (for more information click here).

Want to learn more about working at Berkeley Lab? Please visit: careers.lbl.gov

The foundation of Berkeley Lab is our Stewardship Values: Team Science, Service, Trust, Innovation, and Respect; and we strive to build community with these shared values and commitments. Berkeley Lab is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We heartily welcome applications from all who could contribute to the Lab's mission of leading scientific discovery, excellence, and professionalism. In support of our rich global community, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under State and Federal law.

Berkeley Lab is a University of California employer. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.