Zachary H.
Zieper

Opto-Mechanical · Robotics · Defense · Space

Engineering complex systems at the intersection of optics, mechanics, and robotics, from guided munitions to deep-sea robots to autonomous UAVs.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory Harvard M.S. '19 UF B.S. '16
Zachary Zieper

About Me

I'm a Senior Mechanical Engineer with deep expertise in opto-mechanical design, precision engineering, and robotics. My career spans the full engineering lifecycle, from initial concept and analysis through fabrication, integration, and field deployment.

I've contributed to programs in defense, space systems, biomedical devices, and autonomous platforms. I thrive on solving technically demanding problems in multi-disciplinary teams where mechanical design must interface tightly with optics, electronics, and software.

Outside of engineering, I'm an avid mechanical puzzle designer and solver, participating in the International Puzzle Party (IPP) where I design and exchange original puzzles with makers worldwide.

SolidWorks CREO ANSYS
MATLAB Python LabVIEW
CNC Machining Manual Machining SLA / FDM / PolyJet 3D Printing
Opto-Mechanical EO/IR Systems UAV / Robotics Guided Munitions Biomedical Devices Microfluidics
Harvard M.S. Robotics '19 UF B.S. Mech. Eng. '16

Experience

MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer
Dec 2024 – Present · Lexington, MA
  • Opto-mechanical design and integration of complex optical systems
  • Cross-functional collaboration across optical, electrical, software, and mechanical disciplines
BAE Systems
Senior Opto-Mechanical Engineer
Jan 2024 – Dec 2024 · Nashua, NH
  • Opto-mechanical design and analysis for defense EO/IR systems
  • Environmental test development and execution for flight-qualified hardware
RE:BUILD FIKST Product Development
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Aug 2022 – Jan 2024 · Wilmington, MA
  • Consumer product development and biomedical device design
  • Microfluidics and lab-on-chip device prototyping
  • Design for manufacturing and sustaining engineering
Draper
Mechanical Engineer
May 2019 – Aug 2022 · Cambridge, MA
  • Precision mechanical design for defense and aerospace systems
  • Robotics hardware integration and autonomous platform development
  • Biomedical device design and automated test fixture development
  • Rapid prototyping — SLA, FDM, PolyJet — and design-for-additive consulting
Harvard University
Research Assistant
Aug 2016 – May 2019 · Cambridge, MA
  • Underwater robotics research — locomotion and control algorithms
  • Autonomous aerial vehicle planning and simulation

Get In Touch

Request Resume & Portfolio

Interested in my work? Fill out the form below and I'll send over my resume and portfolio. You can also reach me directly at ZacharyZieper@gmail.com.

Good boy 🐾