Mechanical Design Job at Crucial Recruiting in San Francisco

Mechanical Design & Test Engineer

Full-Time | Onsite (Bay Area, California)

Were hiring a Mechanical Design & Test Engineer for a mission-driven clean energy startup developing next-generation perovskite-based solar technology. Ideal for engineers who enjoy hands-on design, testing, and equipment development and want to contribute to breakthrough innovations in solar manufacturing.

Role Overview

You'll design, procure, and install mechanical components and assemblies for thin-film deposition and processing equipment used in perovskite photovoltaic development. Working closely with equipment engineering, process engineering, and technicians, you'll improve process performance, optimize electro-mechanical systems, and support scale-up toward future manufacturing.

This role is highly cross-functional and offers broad exposure across engineering disciplines, making it an excellent opportunity for someone who wants to grow quickly in a high-impact, hardware-focused environment.

What You'll Do

• Design components for vacuum chambers and other processing equipment
• Create detailed drawings and collaborate with suppliers to source high-quality, cost-effective parts
• Perform mechanical, thermal, and structural analyses on assemblies
• Install, test, and troubleshoot systems alongside technicians
• Develop and execute test plans for in-house electro-mechanical equipment
• Adapt commercial equipment for perovskite cell production processes
• Work with process engineers to solve mechanical or operational challenges
• Contribute to improving engineering documentation and standards

Requirements

• B.S. in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Industrial Engineering, or related discipline
• Experience using 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred) for machined, sheet metal, welded, or 3D-printed components
• Comfortable working with suppliers, testing prototypes, and troubleshooting systems
• Interest in learning and improving engineering standards and best practices

Nice-to-Haves

• 3+ years working with vacuum systems or materials processing equipment (PV, semiconductors, batteries, etc.)
• Knowledge of ASME Y14.5M and tolerance analysis
• Experience with DFM/DFA and design for serviceability
• Background in CFD or FEA simulations (ANSYS or similar)
• Experience with document control systems and part/drawing release workflows

Why This Role

• Work with purpose: help advance next-generation solar technology
• Be part of a team developing innovative clean-energy solutions
• Excellent benefits including health coverage, 401(k) match, commuter benefits, and meaningful equity
• Growth-focused culture with opportunities for conferences, training, and continuous learning