Associate Mechanical Engineer
Job description
About the role
You will own the execution of clearly defined mechanical engineering tasks within the Linear Generator platform under the guidance of senior team members. You will translate design concepts into practical mechanical components and assemblies using CAD tools and engineering standards. You will support the development of test procedures and the collection of data to validate mechanical performance and reliability. You will maintain accurate and up-to-date engineering documentation, drawings, and change records in accordance with company processes. You will participate in root cause analysis activities to troubleshoot mechanical issues observed during testing or in the field. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure mechanical design decisions align with project goals and operational requirements. You will apply your knowledge of materials, manufacturing processes, and mechanical principles to improve component designs. You will contribute to a culture of Pragmatic Optimism, Excellence without Ego, and Proactive Collaboration in all your work.
Key facts
What you'll do
Perform detailed engineering calculations and analyses to support mechanical component and assembly design.
Develop and modify CAD models and detailed drawings for mechanical parts using current engineering standards.
Support the execution of mechanical tests, including setup, data acquisition, and documentation of results.
Assist in the creation and maintenance of engineering documentation, such as design reports, test plans, and standard operating procedures.
Help coordinate with manufacturing and quality teams to resolve design and production issues.
Contribute to the development and refinement of product requirements and specifications based on testing and stakeholder feedback.
Support the implementation of design changes and release documentation into the production environment.
Help maintain engineering work logs and ensure that project data is organized and accessible for review.
Participate in internal design reviews and communicate progress, risks, and dependencies to technical stakeholders.
Support the evaluation of alternative mechanical solutions through prototyping and iterative testing.
Assist in the troubleshooting of mechanical failures in the field or during testing to drive corrective actions.
Help ensure compliance with documentation control processes and version management for engineering deliverables.
Support the integration of feedback from reliability testing into design iterations.
Help manage engineering change requests and ensure traceability between requirements, design, and verification.
Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives focused on manufacturability and reliability.
Requirements
Demonstrated mechanical engineering fundamentals through academic training or related hands-on experience.
Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related technical field.
Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, including mechanisms, kinematics, and dynamics.
Familiarity with CAD software used for mechanical design and drawing creation.
Adept at applying engineering standards and best practices to support product development.
Ability to perform basic engineering calculations and analyze results to inform design decisions.
Effective written and verbal communication skills to collaborate with technical and non-technical stakeholders.
Eligibility to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship for employment authorization.
Authorized to work in Menlo Park, California, or authorized to relocate to Menlo Park, California.
Must be able to start within a defined timeframe aligned with business needs.
Willingness to work in a fast-paced, iterative development environment with evolving priorities.
Commitment to following documented processes and maintaining high standards for accuracy and safety.
Ability to manage multiple assignments and prioritize tasks in a structured and organized manner.
Nice to have
Experience with rapid prototyping, machining, or manual assembly in a technical role.
Knowledge of energy conversion technologies or power systems relevant to distributed generation.
Experience with test equipment such as data acquisition systems, sensors, and data analysis tools.
Background in reliability testing, environmental testing, or validation activities.
Understanding of manufacturing processes and quality systems relevant to hardware products.
Experience with project management tools and disciplined tracking of engineering deliverables.
Practical notes
This role is based in Menlo Park, California.
This role is offered as a salary-based position.
The engagement is full-time, and hours are standard business hours as determined by team needs.
Travel is not expected as part of this role.
This role requires eligibility to work in the United States without sponsorship.
Candidates must be authorized to work in Menlo Park, California, or authorized to relocate to Menlo Park, California.