Sr Mechanical Design Engineer, Vehicle-Integrated Solar Panels
Aptera Motors Corp, Carlsbad, CA, United States
Sr Mechanical Design Engineer, Vehicle-Integrated Solar Panels
is dedicated to building a future where every journey is powered by the sun. We specialize in creating solar electric vehicles that revolutionize the way we travel, providing sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.
is built on transparency, ethical treatment of one another, a bias for action, and leading by example.
About the role
We’re looking for a Design Engineer to help build vehicle-integrated solar panels from concept to production. This is a hands‑on, high‑ownership role where you’ll design real parts, work directly with suppliers, support builds, and solve problems as they come up.
What you’ll do
Own the mechanical design of vehicle-integrated solar panel components and assemblies from early concept through production
Create and manage 3D CAD and assemblies in CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE
Produce 2D drawings, GD&T, and release documentation for prototypes and production
Work directly with manufacturers and suppliers on feasibility, tooling, and iteration
Support prototype builds, testing, and validation, including hands‑on troubleshooting
Rapidly iterate designs based on test results, build feedback, and changing requirements
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or similar
3+ years of experience in mechanical or product design (solar, automotive, aerospace, or consumer hardware preferred)
Strong proficiency in CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE
Experience with advanced surfacing and complex exterior‑facing parts
Solid understanding of DFM/DFA and production constraints
Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as glass and glazing systems, composites or laminates, injection molding, sheet metal, and bonded assemblies
Experience supporting parts through prototype and early production builds
Nice‑to‑Have (But Not Required)
Experience with vehicle exteriors, body panels, or structural glazing
Exposure to solar modules, photovoltaics, or electronics packaging
Experience working with overseas suppliers or contract manufacturers
Startup or early‑production vehicle experience
Comfort being on the shop floor or build site when needed
Why This Role Is Different
Your designs won’t sit in a folder, they’ll be on vehicles
You’ll have real ownership over parts and systems
You’ll influence both product direction and manufacturing strategy
You’ll work on technology that directly improves vehicle efficiency and sustainability
Preferred Qualifications
Someone who likes ambiguity and can turn rough requirements into solid hardware
Comfort taking ownership and making decisions with incomplete information
Strong communication skills with engineers, suppliers, and non‑technical teammates
Team Structure
Individual contributor; collaborate with other teams and individuals, as necessary
Required Experience
3+ years of experience in mechanical or product design (solar, automotive, aerospace, or consumer hardware preferred)
Educational Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or similar
Salary + Benefits
Market competitive compensation package
Fully funded benefits package for employee + dependents
Generous Flexible Time Away policy
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is dedicated to building a future where every journey is powered by the sun. We specialize in creating solar electric vehicles that revolutionize the way we travel, providing sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.
is built on transparency, ethical treatment of one another, a bias for action, and leading by example.
About the role
We’re looking for a Design Engineer to help build vehicle-integrated solar panels from concept to production. This is a hands‑on, high‑ownership role where you’ll design real parts, work directly with suppliers, support builds, and solve problems as they come up.
What you’ll do
Own the mechanical design of vehicle-integrated solar panel components and assemblies from early concept through production
Create and manage 3D CAD and assemblies in CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE
Produce 2D drawings, GD&T, and release documentation for prototypes and production
Work directly with manufacturers and suppliers on feasibility, tooling, and iteration
Support prototype builds, testing, and validation, including hands‑on troubleshooting
Rapidly iterate designs based on test results, build feedback, and changing requirements
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or similar
3+ years of experience in mechanical or product design (solar, automotive, aerospace, or consumer hardware preferred)
Strong proficiency in CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE
Experience with advanced surfacing and complex exterior‑facing parts
Solid understanding of DFM/DFA and production constraints
Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as glass and glazing systems, composites or laminates, injection molding, sheet metal, and bonded assemblies
Experience supporting parts through prototype and early production builds
Nice‑to‑Have (But Not Required)
Experience with vehicle exteriors, body panels, or structural glazing
Exposure to solar modules, photovoltaics, or electronics packaging
Experience working with overseas suppliers or contract manufacturers
Startup or early‑production vehicle experience
Comfort being on the shop floor or build site when needed
Why This Role Is Different
Your designs won’t sit in a folder, they’ll be on vehicles
You’ll have real ownership over parts and systems
You’ll influence both product direction and manufacturing strategy
You’ll work on technology that directly improves vehicle efficiency and sustainability
Preferred Qualifications
Someone who likes ambiguity and can turn rough requirements into solid hardware
Comfort taking ownership and making decisions with incomplete information
Strong communication skills with engineers, suppliers, and non‑technical teammates
Team Structure
Individual contributor; collaborate with other teams and individuals, as necessary
Required Experience
3+ years of experience in mechanical or product design (solar, automotive, aerospace, or consumer hardware preferred)
Educational Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or similar
Salary + Benefits
Market competitive compensation package
Fully funded benefits package for employee + dependents
Generous Flexible Time Away policy
#J-18808-Ljbffr