Founding Mechanical Engineer - Build & Scale Hardware

Prevail Recruiting; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 130,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Prevail Recruiting seeks a senior mechanical engineer to own hardware development across the full lifecycle—from requirements to production release—combining CAD, analysis, and prototyping.

The role emphasizes bridging design and manufacturing, working with machinists, fabricators, and suppliers to optimize tolerances, cost, and reliability. A strong background in solid mechanics and DFA/DFM is required.

Qualifications

• Ownership of complex mechanical hardware from initial design through physical build and testing.
• Strong fundamentals in solid mechanics, materials, heat transfer, and manufacturing processes.
• Advanced proficiency with parametric CAD and manufacturing drawings with GD&T.

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical hardware development from concept to production release.
• Make quantitative design decisions considering mass, stiffness, thermal performance, reliability, cost and manufacturability.
• Design complex parts and assemblies with detailed CAD models, drawings, and BOMs.
• Analyze and validate designs using calculations and simulations for structural, thermal, and dynamic behavior.
• Build and test prototypes, instrument hardware, and evaluate performance against requirements.
• Collaborate with machinists, fabricators, suppliers, and assembly teams to improve tolerances and lead times.
• Move hardware toward production using design for manufacturing and assembly principles.

Skills

Solid mechanics

Materials

Machine design

Heat transfer

Manufacturing processes

GD&T

FEM/FEA

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Siemens NX

Creo

CATIA

Job description

Prevail Recruiting seeks a senior mechanical engineer to own hardware development across the full lifecycle—from requirements to production release—combining CAD, analysis, and prototyping.

The role emphasizes bridging design and manufacturing, working with machinists, fabricators, and suppliers to optimize tolerances, cost, and reliability. A strong background in solid mechanics and DFA/DFM is required.