Highlights
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. Create hardware designs suitable for high mix, low volume production (CNC, sheet metal, AM, etc.) while adhering to budgetary, schedule, and customer requirements.
Numbers & Facts
| Location | Santa Barbara, CA |
| Industry | Aerospace and Defense |
| Company Size | 5,000 to 9,999 employees |
| Year Founded | 1957 |
| Website | https://www.heico.com/ |
Description
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).
Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled
About Company
HEICO Corporation is a successful and growing technology-driven aerospace, industrial, defense and electronics company. For more than 60 years, HEICO has thrived by providing customers with innovative and cost-saving products and services.
HEICO's products are found on large commercial aircraft, regional, business and military aircraft, as well as on a large variety of industrial turbines, targeting systems, missiles and electro-optical devices.
HEICO Corporation is a New York Stock Exchange listed company (NYSE: HEI and HEI.A) and has also been ranked as one of the 100 "World's Most Innovative Growth Companies", 100 "Best Small Companies" and 200 "Hot Shot Stocks" by Forbes over the past decade. With headquarters in Hollywood, Florida, and multiple locations around the world - HEICO provides over 1 million square feet of design, manufacturing, repair, overhaul, distribution, sales and support capabilities.
HEICO Corporation operates in two segments, the Flight Support group and the Electronic Technologies group. The Flight Support group designs, engineers, manufactures, repairs, distributes and overhauls FAA-approved parts that extend over the entire aircraft, from the engines all the way to hydraulic, pneumatic, electromechanical, avionic, structures, wheels and brakes and even interiors.
The Electronic Technologies group produces electrical and electro-optical systems and components serving niche segments of the aerospace, defense, communications, and computer industries. The Electronic Technologies group is a worldwide leader in the design, manufacture and sale of electrically and electro-optical engineered products used in the aerospace, defense, space, and electronics industries.
By combining state-of-the-art technologies, a team of highly skilled Team Members and an indisputable commitment to quality, both segments have constantly delivered invaluable solutions to customers over the years, helping to position them as leaders within their industries.