Motor / Actuator Design Engineer

Westmag; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Westmag, a US-based designer and manufacturer of drone motors and robotic actuators, seeks a Motor/Actuator Design Engineer to lead architecture development and performance optimization. You will collaborate across engineering, quality and manufacturing teams to ensure feasible, reliable motor solutions that meet customer requirements.

Your role involves designing electrical, mechanical, and thermal aspects, validating through prototyping and testing, and documenting results.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of motor or actuator design experience, preferably in drone/ robotics/ aerospace.
• Strong motor theory including electromagnetic design, thermal management, and mechanical design.
• Proficiency with motor design and simulation software (FEMM, ANSYS Maxwell).
• CAD experience with SolidWorks or CATIA.
• Strong collaboration, problem-solving and communication skills.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize motor and actuator architectures for drone and robotic applications.
• Develop detailed motor design specifications, including electrical, mechanical, and thermal considerations.
• Simulate and analyze motor performance using relevant software tools.
• Work cross-functionally with Field Applications Engineers, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability.
• Support prototyping, testing, and validation of new motor designs and contribute to continuous product improvements.
• Document design processes, test results, and design revisions.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and industry trends in motor and actuator design.

Skills

Electromagnetic design

Thermal management

Mechanical design

Team collaboration

Problem solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Mechanical Engineering

Tools

FEMM

ANSYS Maxwell

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

Westmag is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Founders Fund, Lux Capital, NFDG, Menlo Ventures, and other top investors. Westmag is committed to building and scaling in the U.S. to serve the global market. For more information, visit westmag.com.

About the role

As a Motor/Actuator Design Engineer at Westmag, you will play a critical role in the design and development of advanced drone motors and robotic actuators. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to create high-efficiency, reliable, and innovative motor solutions that meet customer requirements. Your work will directly impact Westmag's position as a leader in drone and robotics motor technology.

What you'll own

• Design and optimize motor and actuator architectures for drone and robotic applications.
• Develop detailed motor design specifications, including electrical, mechanical, and thermal considerations.
• Simulate and analyze motor performance using relevant software tools.
• Work cross-functionally with Field Applications Engineers, Quality, and Manufacturing teams to ensure design feasibility and manufacturability.
• Support prototyping, testing, and validation of new motor designs and contribute to continuous product improvements.
• Document design processes, test results, and design revisions.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and industry trends in motor and actuator design.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field.
• 3+ years of experience in motor or actuator design, preferably in drone, robotics, or aerospace industries.
• Strong foundation in electric motor theory including electromagnetic design, thermal management, and mechanical design.
• Proficiency with motor design and simulation software (e.g., FEMM, ANSYS Maxwell, or equivalent).
• Experience with CAD tools for mechanical design (e.g., SolidWorks, CATIA).
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Authorized to work in the United States.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience designing brushless DC motors, actuators, or similar electromechanical devices.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes for motor components and assemblies.
• Hands-on experience with prototype testing and validation.
• Familiarity with drone or robotics industry requirements and standards.

Westmag is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by California law.