Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Acceler8 Talent; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Acceler8 Talent is looking for a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer for a leading AI/networking hardware startup in San Francisco. Responsibilities include developing chassis designs, conducting tolerance analyses, and collaborating with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates will have a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, over 8 years of mechanical design experience in telecom or data centers, and proficiency in Creo or SolidWorks. Hands-on experience with mechanical design techniques is essential.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of mechanical design experience in telecom or data center hardware.
• Proficient in CAD modeling and documentation.
• Comfortable with rework tools and mock-up fabrication.

Responsibilities

• Develop chassis and line card designs for product requirements.
• Conduct 2D/3D tolerance studies for electro-mechanical assemblies.
• Design cooling systems and coordinate with suppliers.

Skills

Mechanical design experience

Proficient in Creo

Understanding of rack standards

Experience with OSFP/QSFP-DD connectors

Education

B.S. or higher in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Creo

SolidWorks

Job description

Acceler8Talent is proud to partner with a well-funded, VC-backed AI/networking hardware startup in the SF Bay area that’s redefining infrastructure for the world’s largest hyperscalers. Operating under a Joint Development Model (JDM), this company co-develops highly customized networking hardware, software, and optics solutions tailored to the evolving needs of large-scale AI workloads.

With over $600M in funding and rapid expansion underway, they're now looking to hire a Principal Mechanical Design Engineer to help shape the next generation of high-performance systems.

Responsibilities:

Mechanical Design: Develop chassis and line card designs that meet product, reliability, and scalability requirements.

Tolerance Analysis: Conduct 2D/3D tolerance studies for complex electro-mechanical assemblies.

Mechanical Solutions: Design parts using sheet metal, plastic, die-cast, and extrusion processes with attention to EMI, safety, and compliance.

3D Modeling & Documentation: Create CAD models (preferably in Creo), PCB outlines, and detailed drawings; manage BOMs, ECOs, and part numbers.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with hardware, thermal, CAD, and manufacturing teams to align on requirements, solve issues, and manage risks.

Cooling & Supplier Support: Design cooling systems (liquid/forced-air) and coordinate with suppliers to ensure manufacturability.

Cable & Connector Design: Support OSFP/QSFP-DD/OSFP-XD connector and cable harness design for front panels and backplanes.

Qualifications:

• B.S. or higher in Mechanical Engineering
• 8+ years of mechanical design experience in telecom or data center hardware

Technical Skills:

• Proficient in Creo (preferred) and SolidWorks
• Strong understanding of EIA, ETSI, and OCP rack standards
• Experience with OSFP/QSFP-DD/OSFP-XD connectors and backplane systems
• Skilled in tolerancing for complex electro-mechanical assemblies
• Familiar with NEBS testing and compliance (a plus)

Hands-On Experience:

• Mechanical design using sheet metal, molding, casting, and extrusion
• Cable harness and cooling system (liquid/air) design
• Comfortable with rework tools and mock-up fabrication