Motor/Actuator Design Engineer South San Francisco, CA ·

Westmag; South San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Westmag, a U.S. manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators, is seeking a Motor/Actuator Design Engineer in South San Francisco.

You will design and optimize motor architectures, develop detailed specs, and collaborate across engineering, quality, and manufacturing to deliver reliable, high-efficiency solutions. You'll work with simulation tools (FEMM, ANSYS Maxwell) and CAD (SolidWorks, CATIA), and you will document test results and drive continuous product improvement while staying

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering
• 3+ years in motor/actuator design for drones/robotics
• Experience with CAD/CAE tools and simulations
• US work authorization

Responsibilities

• Design and optimize motor and actuator architectures for drone and robotic applications.
• Develop detailed motor design specifications, including electrical, mechanical, and thermal aspects.
• Simulate and analyze motor performance using software tools.
• Collaborate with Field Applications, Quality, and Manufacturing to ensure design feasibility.
• Support prototyping, testing, and validation of new motor designs.
• Document design processes, test results, and revisions.
• Stay current on emerging technologies and industry trends in motor/actuator design.

Skills

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Problem solving

Communication skills

US work authorization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering

Tools

FEMM

ANSYS Maxwell

SolidWorks

CATIA

Job description

About Westmag

Westmag, short for Western Magnetics Company, is the American manufacturer of drone motors and robot actuators. The company designs and manufactures its products in South San Francisco, committed to building and scaling in the U.S. to serve the global market. Westmag is ramping production to serve leading drone and robot companies with millions of motors and actuators. Westmag is headquartered in South San Francisco and is backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Founders Fund, Lux Capital, NFDG, Menlo Ventures, and other top investors. 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.