Materials Engineer

Latent AI; Fremont (CA); On-site; USD 113,000 - 209,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid holidays

Commuter benefits

Meals provided

401(k) plan

Parental leave

Flexible time off

Job summary

Latent AI in Fremont, California, is looking for a Mechanical Engineer to oversee the simulation-to-test loop for implant mechanical reliability. The ideal candidate will have a background in explicit dynamics Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and mechanical testing.

The role offers a competitive base salary ranging from $113,000 to $209,000, along with equity compensation and comprehensive benefits. Candidates with a MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of hands-on experience with explicit dynamics FEA (LS-DYNA, Abaqus/Explicit).
• Experience with polymer or composite material characterization.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical assembly and fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Build FEA models to predict mechanical response under impact loading.
• Design and run physical tests using servo-hydraulic and drop tower.
• Calibrate material models against experimental data.

Skills

Explicit dynamics FEA

Mechanical testing

Mechanical design

Test standards knowledge

Autonomy in project work

Education

MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

LS-DYNA

Abaqus/Explicit

Job description

About Neuralink

We are creating devices that enable a bi‑directional interface with the brain. These devices allow us to restore movement to the paralyzed, restore sight to the blind, and revolutionize how humans interact with their digital world.

Team Description

The Materials Engineering Team at Neuralink develops and qualifies high‑performance, biocompatible materials for next‑generation brain‑computer interfaces. The team owns material characterization, hermetic packaging reliability, accelerated lifetime testing, and predictive simulation for implantable neural devices. We operate at the intersection of physical testing and computational modelling, closing the loop between experiment and simulation to drive design decisions.

Job Description and Responsibilities

We are looking for a Mechanical Engineer who owns the full simulation‑to‑test loop for implant mechanical reliability. This person will build explicit dynamics FEA models, design and run physical tests, calibrate material models against experimental data, and validate predictions. You will work closely with materials engineers, microfabrication, and cross‑functional reliability teams to ensure the implant meets impact, fatigue, and seal integrity requirements.

• Build, refine, and validate explicit dynamics Finite Element Analysis (FEA) models (LS‑DYNA, Abaqus/Explicit) to predict mechanical response under high‑strain‑rate impact loading.
• Own the in‑house mechanical testing pipeline end‑to‑end: design fixtures, prepare specimens, run tests (servo‑hydraulic, drop tower, DIC), and correlate results to simulation using quantitative metrics (CORA, force‑displacement overlay, DIC contour comparison).
• Translate physical test data into constitutive model inputs: calibrate material cards, optimise parameters, and deliver validated simulation files.
• Coordinate test projects (SHPB, DMA, abuse testing) and own data quality from external sources.
• Extend validated impact models to adjacent reliability domains: burst/cyclic pressure testing, vibration fatigue, and seal interface simulation.
• Support cross‑functional reliability programmes including thermal modelling, RH/leak modelling, and accelerated lifetime testing as needed.

Required Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or related field.
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience with explicit dynamics FEA (LS‑DYNA, Abaqus/Explicit, or similar) – not static/modal only.
• 2+ years of hands‑on experience with mechanical testing (tensile testers, DMA, servo‑hydraulic frames, or similar equipment).
• Experience with polymer or composite material characterization, including rate‑dependent and temperature‑dependent behaviour.
• Hands‑on experience with mechanical assembly, fabrication, or building and calibrating test equipment.
• Proficiency in mechanical design (SolidWorks or similar CAD software).
• Familiarity with relevant test standards (ASTM, IEC).
• Ability to work autonomously: define test plans, build fixtures, run tests, analyse data, and present conclusions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience with high‑strain‑rate testing (SHPB, drop tower).
• Experience with Digital Image Correlation (DIC) or full‑field strain measurement.
• Experience with constitutive model calibration and parameter optimisation (fitting test data to LS‑DYNA material cards such as MAT_SAMP‑1, MAT_024, or cohesive zone models).
• Medical device or aerospace reliability background (DV/V&V, FDA regulatory context).
• Python for data processing and automation.
• Experience correlating simulation to physical test data using quantitative metrics (CORA, force‑displacement overlay, DIC contour comparison).
• Experience calibrating and troubleshooting lab instrumentation.

Expected Compensation

The anticipated base salary for this position is expected to be within the following range. Your actual base pay will be determined by your job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. We also believe in aligning our employees’ success with the company’s long‑term growth. As such, in addition to base salary, Neuralink offers equity compensation (in the form of Restricted Stock Units (RSU)) for all full‑time employees.

Base Salary Range: $113,000 — $209,000 USD

What We Offer

Full‑time employees are eligible for the following benefits listed below.

• An opportunity to change the world and work with some of the smartest and most talented experts from different fields
• Growth potential; we rapidly advance team members who have an outsized impact
• Excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance through a PPO plan
• Paid holidays
• Commuter benefits
• Meals provided
• Equity (RSUs) Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
• 401(k) plan Interns initially excluded until they work 1,000 hours
• Parental leave Temporary Employees & Interns excluded
• Flexible time off Temporary Employees & Interns excluded