Mechanical Design Engineer

About the role

This role centers on mechanical design for sensor cleaning systems within the Sensor Cleaning team. The role maintains sensor performance across weather and contamination conditions, supporting safe and reliable Zoox vehicle operation.

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

What you'll do

Data from these prototypes refines system behavior and confirms that cleaning performance meets targets.

Studies drive data driven decisions that cut contamination-related failures and support scalable deployment.

Documentation communicates design intent and configuration for downstream teams.

Teams align on build objectives and document and approve build processes for the assemblies.

Interactions validate designs, clarify specifications, and confirm that assemblies meet supply chain and cost targets for Zoox vehicles.

Joint efforts clarify failure modes, verify corrective actions, and ensure quality processes for sensor cleaning systems.

Requirements

Mechanical engineers hold a BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics. Candidates bring 5 years of experience with a BS or 3 years with an MS in the automotive industry, with prior sensor cleaning experience as a bonus.

Strong mechanical design fundamentals cover plastic injection molded components, sheet metal and machined parts, tolerance stack-up analysis, fluid systems and pneumatic systems, and thermal and heating system integration.

Proficiency with 3D CAD tools such as CATIA, NX, Creo, or SolidWorks is required. Leading cross functional teams drives new ideas and solutions into products, using experience with DV/PV testing, DFMEA, PFMEA, APQP, and PPAP processes. Optical sensor or ADAS system experience is optional and represents a bonus qualification.

Practical notes

Onsite days and team locations will be confirmed during the hiring process. 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

Mechanical design roles rely on CAD modeling and analysis to solve hardware challenges in autonomous vehicles. Sensor cleaning systems combine mechanical, fluid, and thermal engineering to maintain perception performance. Cross functional collaboration drives decisions from concept through manufacturing and deployment.

Questions to ask

Good questions to ask the employer in the interview: what does success look like in the first six months, how is the team structured, what is the current biggest challenge, and how are decisions made. Asking about growth paths and the review process is also well received. Employers expect questions, and good ones show preparation.

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.