Mechanical Engineer
Santa Barbara Infrared, Inc. (SBIR) – Santa Barbara, CA
About Us
Santa Barbara Infrared, Inc. (SBIR), a subsidiary of HEICO Corporation (NYSE: HEI, HEI.A), designs and manufactures advanced infrared (IR) and electro-optical (E-O) test instrumentation used worldwide. Our products support the testing of military and commercial sensor systems in laboratory, production, depot, and field environments. SBIR has built its reputation as a fast-paced, innovative company that provides highly engineered, cost-effective solutions to the aerospace and defense community.
Role Summary
We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and test precision mechanical systems for IR test equipment. In this role, you’ll create and refine designs, support product integration, and collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver reliable, high-performance solutions. Your work will directly impact the performance of next-generation optical test systems used by global aerospace and defense leaders. This is a hands-on, on-site role in Santa Barbara, CA.
$115,000/yr. to $150,000/yr., DOE
On-Site
Responsibilities
- Own the complete lifecycle of IR and E-O hardware including design, development, and testing of mechanical systems and precision optical mounts/mechanisms.
- Create hardware designs suitable for high mix, low volume production (CNC, sheet metal, AM, etc.) while adhering to budgetary, schedule, and customer requirements.
- Partner with project managers, system engineers, vendors, and production staff to support manufacturing and rapidly implement performance, reliability, and quality improvements.
- Create and maintain detailed design documentation, including fabrication/assembly drawings, BOMs, and Interface Control Documents (ICDs).
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent.
- 5+ years of related experience.
- Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks Preferred) and solid knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance stack-ups.
- Demonstrated experience owning designs through full lifecycle, applicable to high-complexity, low-volume manufacturing.
- Ability to work independently and in collaborative, team-oriented environments.
- Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred
- Familiarity with Engineering Change Processes (ECOs), revision control, and product data management (PDM/PLM) systems.
- Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and/or thermal modeling/simulation.
- Background in optical systems, vacuum Dewar design, or electro-mechanical packaging.
- Hands-on experience with precision mechanisms, assemblies, or test fixtures.
Additional Information
Due to US Export Control Regulations compliance, eligible candidates MUST be a US citizen, permanent resident or a person who has been granted asylum; proper documentation required. Pre-employment verifications: must pass background, reference and ITAR/EAR checks in addition to a pre-employment drug screen.
Benefits
We offer a comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k), PTO, HSA, FSA, 9/80 alternate work week schedule, LTD, life insurance, and more.
Equal Opportunity
SBIR is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer (Male/Female/Veteran/Disabled).
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent
- 5+ years of related mechanical engineering experience
- Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks preferred)
- Strong knowledge of GD&T (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance stack-ups
- Demonstrated experience owning designs through full lifecycle for high-complexity, low-volume manufacturing
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in team environments
- Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, excellent written and verbal communication
- Eligible candidates must be US citizen, permanent resident, or granted asylum (export control compliance)
- Must pass background, reference, ITAR/EAR checks and pre-employment drug screen
- Familiarity with ECOs, revision control, and PDM/PLM systems
- Experience with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and/or thermal modeling/simulation
- Background in optical systems, vacuum Dewar design, or electro-mechanical packaging
- Hands-on experience with precision mechanisms, assemblies, or test fixtures
HEICO Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about HEICO and has not been reviewed or approved by HEICO.
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Retirement Support — The company maintains a long‑standing 401(k) program with company matching available to nearly all U.S. employees, with matches sometimes delivered in company stock. Official materials indicate broad participation and subsidiary‑level match structures.
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Flexible Benefits — The package spans medical, dental, vision, HSAs/FSAs, life and disability coverage, PTO and holidays, tuition reimbursement, an EAP, and various discounts, with multiple plan choices. Eligibility and specifics can differ by subsidiary.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Wellness programs such as health fairs, screenings, flu shots, and on‑site classes appear alongside fitness, retail, and entertainment discounts. These offerings complement core coverage and support day‑to‑day wellbeing.
HEICO Insights
What We Do
HEICO Corporation, through its subsidiaries, engages in the design, manufacture, and sale of aerospace, defense, and electronics related products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Flight Support Group (FSG/HEICO Aerospace) and Electronic Technologies Group (ETG). HEICO Aerospace offers jet engine and aircraft component replacement parts. It also involves in manufacturing specialty aircraft/defense related parts; offering thermal insulation blankets primarily for aerospace, defense, and commercial applications; subcontracting for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs); providing specialty parts as a subcontractor for aerospace and industrial OEMs, and the United States government. In addition, this segment distributes hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electro-mechanical components for the aviation markets.
