Product Design Engineer

ridealso; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Robust health coverage

One Medical membership

Fertility and family benefits

Flexible time off

401(k) match

Job summary

ALSO seeks a Wire Harness Design Engineer in Palo Alto, CA to lead vehicle-level interconnect development and integration for next-generation light EVs, ensuring robust electrical architectures. You will design harnesses in 3D CAD (CATIA), select conductors, and collaborate with electrical and mechanical teams to deliver optimized packaging.

The ideal candidate has 5+ years in electromechanical product development, a formal mechanical engineering degree, and a track record of launching

Qualifications

• 5+ year track record in electromechanical product development focusing on wire harness assemblies.
• Strong fundamentals in mechanics, materials, thermal management and connector design.
• Deep expertise in 3D CAD, drafting, GD&T and PLM documentation control.
• Experience launching high-volume manufacturing components (injection molding, stamping, forging, etc.).
• Formal mechanical engineering education with hardware design focus.

Responsibilities

• Own the development of vehicle-level interconnect diagrams.
• Collaborate with electrical and mechanical teams to route and integrate harnesses in 3D environments.
• Design wire harnesses using 3D CAD (CATIA) with proper fit and serviceability.
• Select conductors/connectors based on power, signals, and environmental targets.
• Build/modify prototype harnesses; support rapid iteration and debugging.
• Guide harness from concept to production including architecture, sourcing, testing, validation and manufacturing.
• Work with contract manufacturers to ensure build quality and test protocols; assist root-cause analysis.

Skills

Wire harness development

3D CAD modeling

GD&T

Root cause analysis

Mechanical design fundamentals

Education

Formal mechanical engineering degree

Tools

CATIA

PLM systems

Job description

About ALSO.

We’re ALSO, an electric mobility company originally conceived as a part of Rivian. We’re a passionate team of builders, dreamers, doers and innovators, focused on creating entirely new (not to mention, innovative and delightful) vertically integrated, small EVs designed to meet the global mobility challenges of today and tomorrow. Our mission is to inspire everyone to ride ALSO—replacing many local car, truck and SUV miles with ones on vehicles that are more affordable, more enjoyable and 10-50x more efficient.

ALSO is looking for a Wire Harness Design Engineer to design and integrate electrical wiring, harnesses, connectors, and electromechanical components that enable critical functions of next-generation light electric vehicles.

What You'll Do

• Own the development of vehicle-level interconnect diagrams.


• Collaborate closely with electrical and mechanical engineering teams to define, route, and integrate harnesses into tightly packaged 3D environments.


• Design wire harnesses using 3D CAD (ideally CATIA), ensuring proper mechanical fit, clearances, install paths, and serviceability.


• Select appropriate conductors and connectors based on power requirements, signal integrity, and environmental targets—helping to define those targets where needed.


• Build and modify prototype harnesses using hand tools, 3D-printed parts, and bench equipment; support rapid iteration and debugging.


• Guide the harness from concept to production, including architecture, design, sourcing, testing, validation, and manufacturing.


• Work with contract manufacturers to ensure proper build quality, define test protocols, and support root cause analysis of field and production issues.

What You'll Bring

• 5+ year track record of electromechanical product development with a focus on wire harness assemblies in automotive or robotics applications.


• Strong engineering fundamentals in the areas of mechanics, materials, thermals, and connector design.


• Deep expertise in 3D CAD modeling, drafting, GD&T and utilizing PLM systems for doc and release control.


• Demonstrated success launching components and assemblies with intricate high volume manufacturing processes such as injection molding, stamping, forging, etc..


• Formal mechanical engineering education with focus on hardware design and development.


• Experience in root cause analysis, looking at field failures, diagnosing issues.

The salary for this position ranges from $180,000 to $230,000 per year

depending on experience and qualifications.

Perks & Benefits

• Robust health coverage — excellent health, dental and vision insurance covered up to 100% by ALSO with FSA & HSA options


• One Medical membership and dedicated insurance advocates


• Rich fertility and family building benefits with Progyny


• Flexible time off


• 401(k) match

Why ALSO.

We’re passionate about helping the world find a better way to get there—wherever it is you’re headed.

We’re located in the heart of Silicon Valley and have brought together a world-class team from some of the biggest brands in the technology, automotive, cycling, outdoor recreation and retail spaces.

Together we’re working hands-on to imagine, design and build an entirely new solution to a global set of transportation challenges.