Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Electric Motors

About the role

DoorDash is embarking on an innovative journey to create a groundbreaking autonomous delivery system with the potential for global impact. This role is integral to a compact, high-performing team dedicated to the design and development of advanced electric motors, primarily aimed at powering unmanned aerial vehicles. There may also be opportunities to work on motors for various aircraft and ground equipment. This project is still under wraps, providing a unique chance for significant architectural influence in a pioneering product domain.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Create optimized rotor and stator designs that minimize weight and volume for electric motors.
• Choose and engineer bearing systems, electrical wiring, connectors, and motor sensors, including rotary encoders and temperature sensors.
• Perform structural and thermal finite element analyses to enhance performance and reliability of motor designs.
• Take ownership of motor projects from the initial concept phase through to production release.
• Develop prototypes, fixtures, and testing hardware utilizing CNC machinery and 3D printing technology.
• Design motors for outdoor commercial applications, ensuring they meet ingress protection standards and can withstand harsh environmental conditions.
• Collaborate with electro-mechanical specialists on winding and magnet configurations.
• Liaise with internal teams and both domestic and international manufacturing partners to ensure seamless integration of designs.
• Work alongside engineers from various disciplines, including electrical, systems, structural, aerodynamics, reliability, testing, and industrial design, to establish project requirements.
• Engage in rapid prototyping and iterative design processes to refine motor performance and functionality.
• Document design processes and results to maintain clear communication and project tracking.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering with a minimum of three years of relevant experience.
• Proven experience with dynamic mechanical systems, such as motors, actuators, and mechanisms.
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD modeling for intricate parts and assemblies.
• Ability to independently conduct basic structural and thermal simulations.
• Hands-on experience in prototyping, including metal fabrication and 3D printing techniques.
• Familiarity with designing assembly and testing fixtures.
• Knowledge of electromechanical integration and wiring standards.
• Demonstrated experience in designing hardware suitable for outdoor or challenging operating environments.
• A solid understanding of manufacturability and assembly processes.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment that emphasizes rapid prototyping and iteration.

Nice to have

• Experience with the manufacturing processes and equipment specific to electric motors.
• Familiarity with regulatory standards for unmanned aerial vehicles and related systems.
• Previous involvement in cross-functional team projects that required collaboration across various engineering disciplines.

Skills & tools

• Proficient in using 3D CAD software for complex assembly designs.
• Experienced with structural and thermal finite element analysis (FEA) tools.
• Skilled in operating CNC machining and additive manufacturing equipment.
• Knowledgeable in welding and metal fabrication techniques.
• Competent in electromechanical integration and wiring practices.

Practical notes

• Access to a fully equipped machine shop, including welding, additive manufacturing, electrical integration tools, and in-house testing capabilities.
• Occasional travel to supplier sites may be required.
• Base salary ranges (USD): I4 level $109,500 to $161,000; I5 level $134,000 to $197,000; I6 level $161,800 to $238,000.
• Compensation includes opportunities for equity grants.
• Comprehensive benefits package featuring a 401(k) plan with employer matching, 16 weeks of paid parental leave, premium healthcare, dental and vision coverage, 11 paid holidays, disability and life insurance, family-forming assistance, a mental health program, wellness expense reimbursement, and commuter benefits matching.
• Salaried employees enjoy flexible paid time off along with 80 hours of paid sick leave annually.
• Hiring practices adhere to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance and the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance.

About the company

DoorDash is a technology company that connects consumers with local businesses. Founded in 2013, DoorDash is the largest food delivery company in the United States by market share.