Motor Design Engineer

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

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a General Engineer to design, develop, and implement DC motors for new and legacy designs. You will lead the full life cycle of motor assemblies from definition to integration, collaborating with cross-functional teams to meet stringent requirements.

The role requires extensive experience in brushless and brushed DC motors, ANSYS Maxwell, and 3D CAD, with the ability to obtain a DoD security clearance. Onsite in Poway, CA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in engineering or related field required.
• Experience with DC motor design and EM machines is essential.
• Extensive design, analysis, and testing experience.
• Ability to obtain DoD security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, document, test, troubleshoot, and implement DC motors for new and legacy designs.
• Lead the complete life cycle of electric motor assemblies from definition to flight integration.
• Optimize electromagnetic machines with vendors based on requirements.
• Collaborate with technicians, manufacturing, actuation, motor drive, motor controls, and system engineers.
• Support legacy electromagnetic machines and components (Brushed/Brushless DC motors, Generators, Alternators).
• Document new designs, write test plans, and issue engineering change notices.
• Support onboard aircraft integration, production, and field tests as needed.
• Prepare documentation to support production (test plans, reports, procedures, BOMs, CRs, CNs).
• Conduct trade studies for new designs and establish technical objectives for advanced problems.

Skills

Brushless motor design

Electromagnetic theory

Team collaboration

Independence

Security clearance readiness

Motor control knowledge

3D motor modeling

Feasibility analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Master's degree in engineering or related field

PhD in engineering or related field

Tools

ANSYS Maxwell

3D CAD

FEA software

Job description

Job Title: General EngineerJob 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

Application Deadline

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

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Poway,CA.

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.