Mechanical Systems Engineer, Exterior Sensor Integration
Job description
USA.
About the role
Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.
Key facts
Requirements
The posting states a pay range of $130000 to $145000.
A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Automotive, or Systems Engineering, or equivalent experience is required.
Minimum 5 years of automotive mechanical engineering experience, with direct work on ADAS or autonomy sensor integration at the vehicle level is required.
Hands-on experience packaging and releasing exterior-mounted sensors and their brackets, housings, or apertures is necessary.
Working knowledge of camera, radar, lidar, and ultrasonic sensor operating principles and the mechanical constraints each imposes is required.
Strong GD&T, tolerance stack-up, and datum strategy skills applied to precision-mounted components are required.
Experience with injection molded plastics, sheet metal, and die cast components, including DFM and tooling constraints, is required.
Ownership of DFMEA, DVP&R, and test-plan development through design and release is required.
Proficiency with CATIA V5, 3DEXPERIENCE, or Siemens NX, and PLM release systems such as Teamcenter is required.
Strong cross-functional communication skills and the ability to negotiate requirements between exteriors, ADAS, electrical, and manufacturing are required.
Willingness to work onsite in Long Beach, CA is required.
Nice to have
Direct experience with sensor cleaning or washer systems, including nozzle development, fluid delivery, e-valves, or heated cleaning hardware.
Experience with ADAS sensor calibration processes, both end-of-line and service level, and their mechanical prerequisites.
Familiarity with radome design, radar attenuation testing, and material selection for RF transparency.
Experience with CFD, thermal analysis, or spray and soiling simulation applied to sensor cleaning or contamination.
Exposure to functional safety and SOTIF concepts as they relate to sensor availability and degradation.
Prior work on an electric vehicle or L2 plus autonomy program from concept through start of production.
Experience with environmental and durability test development including thermal cycling, humidity, vibration, salt spray, and stone impact.
Practical notes
Typical interview steps
Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.
Good to know
Success requires strong coordination across engineering functions and suppliers. The work involves physical prototyping, validation, and compliance activities. Familiarity with sensor technologies such as cameras, radar, lidar, and ultrasonic systems is relevant. The position operates within a global engineering organization focused on consulting to full project delivery.
Career growth
Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.