Mechanical Engineer

Nexthop Systems Inc. is seeking a mechanical engineer to design and deliver next-generation high-capacity networking systems for emerging AI infrastructures. In this role, you’ll combine technical expertise with innovative problem-solving to create cutting-edge electro-mechanical designs that meet the demands of advanced data centers and telecom environments.

What You’ll Do

• Chassis & Line Card Design: Create and deliver mechanical designs for chassis and line cards that meet product requirements, ensuring reliability and scalability.

• Tolerance Analysis: Perform detailed 2D and 3D tolerance analyses for complex electro-mechanical assemblies to ensure precise and functional designs.

• Innovative Mechanical Solutions: Develop mechanical solutions using sheet metal, injection-molded plastic, die-cast, and extrusion processes, adhering to EMI, safety, and compliance requirements.

• 3D Modeling & Documentation:

• Develop 3D CAD models using Creo (preferred) with Windchill for PDM or SolidWorks. Experience with cabling extensions is a plus.

• Produce board outline drawings, establish PCB layout constraints (e.g., keep-out areas, trace and via restrictions), and validate designs.

• Generate detailed part and assembly drawings, BOMs, part numbers, and ECOs.

• Collaboration Across Teams:

• Partner with hardware, signal integrity, CAD, thermal, manufacturing, PCB, and PLM teams to negotiate design requirements, evaluate tradeoffs, and address technical risks.

• Work with thermal engineers to design and implement cooling solutions, including liquid-cooled and force-cooled systems.

• Collaborate with suppliers to resolve issues and ensure high-quality manufacturing outcomes.

• Connector & Cable Design: Work with connectors such as OSFP/QSFP-DD/OSFP-XD for front panels and orthogonal backplane configurations, as well as cable harness designs.

• Industry Standards Compliance: Ensure designs comply with MSA standards, optical cage form factors, and industry rack standards (EIA, ETSI, OCP).

• Prototyping & Testing: Be hands-on with shop tools to perform rework, mock-ups, and prototype testing. Work closely with testing labs to meet NEBS and other compliance standards.

• Silkscreen & Overlays: Use Illustrator to generate silkscreens and overlays for product design.

• What You Bring Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering.

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical design for telecom or data center product development.

• Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in SolidWorks and Creo (preferred).

• Strong knowledge of EIA, ETSI, and OCP rack standards.

• Experience with connectors like OSFP/QSFP-DD/OSFP-XD and orthogonal backplane systems.

• Expertise in tolerancing and tolerance loops for electro-mechanical assemblies.

• Familiarity with NEBS testing and compliance is a plus.

• Hands-On Expertise:

• Experience designing mechanical components using processes such as sheet metal fabrication, injection molding, die casting, and extrusion.

• Cable harness and cooling system design (liquid and force-cooled systems).

• Proficiency with tools for rework and mock-up creation.

• Soft Skills:

• Strong collaboration and communication skills to work effectively across cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment.

• A problem-solving mindset with a focus on delivering results while managing technical risks and tradeoffs.

• Ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic and innovative environment.

• Why Join Nexthop Systems?

• At Nexthop, you’ll have the opportunity to design mechanical solutions that drive the future of AI infrastructure. Work alongside experts in cutting-edge technologies, contribute to industry-defining projects, and make a tangible impact in the rapidly evolving networking and data center landscape.

• Are you ready to lead the mechanical design of tomorrow’s networking systems? Apply today to join our mission!