Staff Mechanical Engineer, Vehicle Platform jobs in United States
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Motional · 3 weeks ago

Staff Mechanical Engineer, Vehicle Platform

Motional is a driverless technology company focused on making autonomous vehicles a safe, reliable, and accessible reality. They are seeking a highly motivated Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead complex mechanical design and fabrication initiatives for next-generation vehicle prototypes and systems, acting as a key technical authority within the domain.

AutomotiveAutonomous VehiclesFleet ManagementInformation TechnologySoftware
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Growth Opportunities
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H1B Sponsor Likelynote

Responsibilities

Own complex, cross-functional initiatives that span multiple subsystems or technical domains
Define the system-level architecture and drive execution with minimal oversight, ensuring alignment with business and product objectives
Serve as a key technical authority within the domain and lead others through technical influence rather than formal authority
Lead the design and drive the end-to-end delivery of complex mechanical components and systems for next-generation in-vehicle prototypes and benchtop systems, such as mechatronic systems for automated driving, requiring coordination across multiple engineering teams
Create detailed 3D CAD models and robust engineering drawings for manufacturing
Create comprehensive Bills of Materials (BOM) and assembly documentation, anticipating integration and reliability challenges across systems and proactively developing mitigation strategies
Design, build, and continually improve internal processes, documentation, and structure for the team, focusing on scalability, efficiency, and quality across multiple quarters
Define and implement rigorous testing plans for vehicles and subsystems
Perform initial testing and debugging of newly-assembled systems, ensuring high-quality, scalable, and reliable engineering solutions that advance department and company objectives
Build strong partnerships across multiple teams (hardware, software, systems, manufacturing, operations) and disciplines to define requirements, explain complex trade-offs, and drive consensus to integrate complex systems in vehicles
Provide technical mentorship and guidance to cross-functional team members
Serve as a trusted technical partner and advisor, driving consensus among engineers, product managers, and leadership on complex technical decisions
Own the manufacturing BOM and Engineering Change Notice (ECN) process for complex systems
Source critical suppliers and parts, creating robust documentation for outsourced components
Develop and document comprehensive system-level requirements for prototype and production vehicle systems, considering all sub-systems and translating complex technical challenges into measurable business outcomes (e.g., manufacturability, efficiency)
Help define the technical roadmap and architecture, proactively identifying cross-functional dependencies and risks based on technology and business needs

Qualification

Mechanical Engineering3D CAD ModelingMechatronic SystemsPrototyping TechniquesSupplier ManagementManufacturing BOMTestingDebuggingTechnical MentorshipCollaboration SkillsCommunication Skills

Required

10+ years relevant experience, preferably in the automotive, robotics, or automation fields, with a proven track record of driving goal-level impact across multiple teams or subsystems
Expert-level experience designing and fabricating prototypes using advanced CAD tools (e.g., Solidworks and Catia V5) and manual methods
Expert ability to operate machine tools (mill, press, CNC, etc.), as well as standard mechanics and power tools; extensive experience with 3D printing tools and rapid prototyping techniques for complex systems
Deep comfort debugging, disassembling, modifying, and installing electrical and mechanical systems in vehicles, anticipating system-level integration challenges
Expert experience in specifying, integrating, troubleshooting, and testing electronics, motors, and sensors within highly complex mechatronic systems
Expert-level expertise with manufacturing BOM and ECN processes, and experience with supplier management for high-complexity, cross-functional assemblies
Proven ability to work effectively within rigid design, integration, and time constraints, delivering high-quality, scalable, and reliable execution
Advanced proficiency in collaboration, including the ability to build strong partnerships and drive consensus among engineers and stakeholders. Ability to communicate clearly and proactively, ensuring technical risks and trade-offs are well understood across all stakeholders, including occasional work outside of standard hours to accommodate international collaboration
Someone self-motivated, organized, flexible, and able to balance and prioritize multiple diverse and goal-level initiatives with minimal oversight
Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Benefits

Medical
Dental
Vision
401k with a company match
Health saving accounts
Life insurance
Pet insurance

Company

Motional

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Motional offers an autonomous driving platform for robotaxi providers, fleet operators, and automotive manufacturers.

H1B Sponsorship

Motional has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (56)
2024 (111)
2023 (57)
2022 (110)
2021 (100)
2020 (7)

Funding

Current Stage
Late Stage
Total Funding
unknown
2024-05-03Acquired
2024-03-15Seed

Leadership Team

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Laura Major
President and CEO
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Balajee Kannan
Vice President, Autonomy
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Company data provided by crunchbase