Mechanical Engineer I, Prototype & Vehicle Systems

Motive Companies; Cerritos (CA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 73,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Project-based contract

Contract-to-hire potential

ASAP start

Job summary

Motive Workforce is seeking an entry-level Mechanical Engineer to support prototype development and vehicle integration for locomotive electrification programs. This hands-on role connects mechanical design with prototype fabrication, testing, and shop-floor execution.

Responsibilities include designing layouts for cooling systems, building and testing prototype hardware, CAD modeling in SolidWorks/Creo/NX, GD&T, and coordinating with fabrication and electrical teams to meet schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in Mechanical/Automotive engineering or related field.
• Zero to two years of relevant engineering experience.
• Proficiency with CAD platforms SolidWorks, Creo or NX.

Responsibilities

• Design and revise mechanical layouts for cooling systems, radiators, fans, ducting, structural mounts, brackets, and auxiliary enclosures.
• Build, instrument, and test prototype hardware.
• Support bench testing and vehicle-level integration.
• Create CAD models and drawings using SolidWorks, Creo, or NX.
• Perform fits, tolerances, and GD&T reviews.
• Coordinate DFM and DFA reviews with fabrication vendors.
• Investigate prototype and field failures and support design fixes.
• Coordinate with electrical/controls on HV packaging, harness routing, and thermal clearances.
• Support rapid design iterations based on test results.

Skills

Prototype development

Mechanical design

Cross-functional coordination

Shop-floor execution

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Creo

NX

Job description

Details:

Motive Workforce is seeking an entry-level Mechanical Engineer to support prototype development and vehicle integration for locomotive electrification programs. This hands-on position connects mechanical design with prototype fabrication, testing, and shop-floor execution.

• Design and revise mechanical layouts for cooling systems, radiators, fans, ducting, structural mounts, brackets, and auxiliary enclosures
• Build, instrument, and test prototype hardware
• Support bench testing and vehicle-level integration
• Create and maintain CAD models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks, Creo, or NX
• Perform fit checks, tolerance stack-ups, and GD&T reviews
• Coordinate DFM and DFA reviews with fabrication and machine shop vendors
• Investigate prototype and field failures, then support design corrections
• Coordinate with electrical and controls engineers on high-voltage component packaging, harness routing, and thermal clearances
• Support rapid design iterations based on test results and project requirements

Details:

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline
• Zero to two years of relevant engineering experience
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or a comparable CAD platform
• Working knowledge of mechanical drawings, tolerances, and GD&T
• Familiarity with thermal management and basic structural analysis
• Comfortable working in both engineering and shop environments
• Able to support hands-on prototype assembly, instrumentation, and testing
• Strong communication and cross-functional coordination skills

Preferred Experience

• Automotive, motorsport, rail, or vehicle-integration experience
• Exposure to high-voltage or electric vehicle systems
• FEA experience
• GD&T certification or formal training
• Experience with 3D printing, sheet metal, machining, fixtures, or rapid prototyping

This position will begin as a project-based contract and may convert to direct employment based on project demand, performance, and business needs. Candidates who can start immediately.

Pay Rate:$45.00 per hour
Employment Type: Project-Based Contract, Potential Contract-to-Hire
Start Date: ASAP