Motor Design Engineer

Actalent; Poway (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent in Poway, CA is seeking a General Engineer to design, develop, and implement DC motors for both new and legacy designs, leading the complete life cycle of motor assemblies from definition to manufacturing and integration.

The role requires expertise in brushless and brushed permanent magnet motors, ANSYS Maxwell, and 3D CAD, with extensive motor design experience and collaboration across hardware teams. DoD clearance eligibility is noted, and the position is fully onsite in Poway.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, master's, or PhD in engineering or related technical discipline.
• Extensive experience in electric motor design and development.
• Strong knowledge of brushless and brushed permanent magnet motors.
• Experience with electromagnetic machine design and FEA tools.
• Ability to obtain/maintain a DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, document, test, troubleshoot, and implement DC motors.
• Lead full life cycle of electric motor assemblies from definition to integration.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including technicians and system engineers.
• Provide support for legacy electromagnetic machines and components.
• Prepare documentation to support production (test plans, BOMs, CNs).
• Conduct trade studies for new designs and technical objectives.

Skills

Brushless motor design

ANSYS

Electromagnetic machines knowledge

Independent & team work

DoD clearance eligible

3D motor modeling

Motor drive integration

Fabrication collaboration

Education

Bachelor's/Master's/PhD in engineering

Tools

ANSYS Maxwell

3D CAD

Job description

Job Title: General Engineer

Job Description

We are seeking a talented General Engineer to design, develop, and implement DC motors for both new and legacy designs. This role involves leading the complete life cycle of electric motor assemblies, from definition and analysis through to manufacturing and integration.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, document, test, troubleshoot, and implement DC motors for new and legacy designs.
• Lead the complete life cycle of electric motor assemblies, including definition, analysis, design, development, manufacturing, assembly, verification, and ground and flight integration.
• Optimize electromagnetic machines in collaboration with vendors based on system and customer requirements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including technicians, manufacturing, actuation, motor drive, motor controls, and system engineers.
• Provide support for legacy electromagnetic machines and components such as Brushed DC motors, Brushless DC motors, Generators, Alternators, and related components.
• Document new designs, write test plans, and process engineering change notices as required.
• Support onboard aircraft integration, production, and field tests as needed.
• Prepare all necessary documentation to support production, including test plans, reports, procedures, BOMs, CRs, CNs, and Source Control Drawings.
• Conduct trade studies for new designs and determine technical objectives for advanced engineering problems.

Essential Skills

• Proficiency in brushless motor design and ANSYS.
• Bachelor's degree, master's degree, or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution.
• Twelve or more years of experience with a bachelor's degree, ten or more years with a master's degree, or seven or more years with a PhD.
• 8+ years' experience in motor design preferred.
• Fundamental knowledge of electromagnetic machines, particularly brushless and brushed permanent magnet motors.
• Experience with electric motor manufacturing processes such as stator windings, lamination stacking, and various insulation classes.
• Knowledge of magnetic machine design of DC motors.
• Electromechanical experience with electric motors and collaboration with suppliers for component identification and modification.
• Experience with FEA tools such as ANSYS Maxwell preferred.
• Experience with 3D mechanical design and motor modeling/control/driving preferred.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Capability to work extended hours as required.
• Strict confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with 3D mechanical design is preferred.
• Experience with modeling, controlling, and driving motors is preferred.

Work Environment

The work environment is dynamic and collaborative, involving cross-functional teamwork with various engineering disciplines. The role may require extended hours to meet project deadlines and maintain the highest standards of confidentiality and security clearance.

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Poway, CA.

Pay And Benefits

The pay range for this position is $120000.00 - $190000.00/yr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

salary + pension + benefits + bonus

Job Type & Location

This is a Permanent position based out of Poway, CA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 17, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Poway,CA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.