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!