Lead Mechanical Engineer

etc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

etc. is hiring a Lead Mechanical Engineer in San Francisco, CA. The role involves creating mechanical designs using SolidWorks, performing lifecycle systems engineering, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. We seek a candidate with a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and 3+ years of experience in mechanical design, particularly in aerospace or similar fields. The ideal candidate thrives in solving complex problems and works on projects involving space hardware systems.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design, preferably in aerospace, ocean, or robotics.

Responsibilities

• Create detailed mechanical designs using SolidWorks and conduct tolerance stackup analysis.
• Design new parts and systems to meet performance specifications.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and manage vendor relationships.
• Conceive and deploy engineered systems for extreme environments, especially space.

Skills

Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks)

Knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5

Knowledge of best design practices for mechanical parts

Experience with prototyping and manufacturing processes

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Mechatronics Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Job description

We're hiring a hands-on Lead Mechanical Engineer to join our team building space hardware systems, working across multiple disciplines. In this role, you'll take real flight hardware from concept to delivery, focusing on mechanical design while integrating with electrical systems and software. We are seeking someone who sees the big picture, moves fast, and thrives on solving new problems every day.

What you'll do

• Mechanical Design & Analysis: Create detailed mechanical designs using SolidWorks, apply GD&T standards per ASME Y14.5, and conduct tolerance stackup analysis
• Lifecycle Systems Engineering: Design new parts and systems from first principles to meet goals. Support performance specification definition, verification planning, and technical documentation throughout the product lifecycle.
• Project Support: Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, manage vendor relationships, and provide technical and hands‑on support for manufacturing and assembly processes in San Francisco and at customer facilities.
• Cross‑Domain Engineering (Land/Air/Sea/Space): Conceive, design, develop, build, test, and deploy engineered systems for extreme environments with an emphasis on space.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related technical field.
• Experience: 3+ years of professional experience in mechanical design, preferably in aerospace, ocean, robotics, or similar.

Technical skills

• Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks)
• Knowledge of GD&T per ASME Y14.5 and tolerance analysis
• Knowledge of best design practices for mechanical parts
• Experience with common prototyping and manufacturing processes and their limitations

Preferences

• Expeditionary mindset: you have the curiosity and drive to ask big questions of about the natural world and deploy systems to extreme environments to answer those questions
• Experience with space systems, satellites, or aerospace hardware development
• Experience performing FEA
• Experience with environmental testing and standards (e.g. NASA GEVS)
• Hands‑on experience with laboratory equipment in a clean room environment