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!