Mediabistro logo
job logo

Principal Mechanical Engineer (PhD) (Irvine)

AC Future, Irvine, CA, United States


Principal Mechanical Engineer (PhD) – Advanced Mobility & Smart Living Platforms

About Us
AC Future is a trailblazer in designing cutting-edge products that harmonize luxury, smart technology, and sustainability. We specialize in creating innovative living solutions, such as the AiTH - Ai Transformer Home, and other series of mobile living spaces that seamlessly integrates eco-friendly features and modern technology.

Role Overview
We are seeking a PhD-level Mechanical Engineer to lead the architecture, design, and validation of advanced mechanical systems across our vehicle and robotic platforms. This role will drive structural innovation, deployable systems, and high-performance packaging especially related to our proprietary room expansion technologies.

Key Responsibilities
Lead end-to-end mechanical design for:
Class A / Class C motorhome platforms
Expandable living modules (slide-outs, sky decks, living room / bedroom expansions)
Smart trailer and robotic subsystems like auto deployment of tank filling and drainage systems
• Develop multi-physics models (FEA, CFD, thermal, vibration)
• Architect lightweight structures using composites, aluminum, and hybrid materials.
• Design deployable mechanisms:
Expandable structures & mechanisms
Automated access & slide out systems.
• Improve vehicle packaging:
Battery integration (400V / 800V systems)
HVAC, plumbing, water regeneration systems
Interior living space ergonomics
Vehicle lighting
• Drive DFM/DFA strategies:
Hybrid manufacturing (3D printing + traditional)
Supplier collaboration (US + Asia + Mexico)
• Lead prototype builds and validation testing:
Structural durability
NVH
Environmental testing

Required Qualifications
• PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 5+ years of experience (advanced research)
• Expertise in:
Structural mechanics & materials
Mechanism design (kinematics, actuation systems)
CAD tools (SolidWorks / CATIA / NX)
FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus)

Preferred Experience
• EV platforms or automotive OEM experience
• RV / motorhome / trailer systems
• Robotics or deployable systems
• 3D printing / additive manufacturing
• Knowledge of standards:
FMVSS
RVIA
ISO structural standards

Company Benefits:
Generous employee stock options
401(k) – 1:1 company match up to 5%
Vision, Dental, and Medical Insurance
PTO and paid holidays
Free office lunch
Sponsorship for employment visa status

Job Type: Full-time
Location: Irvine near Spectrum, CA