Senior Mechanical Design Engineer

Mojave Energy Systems, Inc.; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity award

401(k) with company match

Health benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Mojave Energy Systems seeks a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to drive mechanical design and testing of sub-systems for a liquid desiccant HVAC product. You will own multiple subsystems, create production-ready models and drawings, and work with cross-functional teams to balance innovation with manufacturability.

The role is on-site in Sunnyvale, CA, with collaboration across controls, electrical, and manufacturing.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in mechanical engineering or related field.
• 3+ years of mechanical design and design for manufacturing experience.
• Strong CAD skills with SolidWorks or Onshape.
• Excellent critical thinking to diagnose complex issues.
• Proven ability to communicate across diverse teams.
• Hands-on experience in design/build processes.
• Familiarity with sheet metal forming and machining.

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical design projects across HVAC subsystems from concept to manufacturing.
• Produce production-quality solid models and drawings (sheet metal and plastic).
• Select materials/components robust against corrosive fluids and temperature cycling.
• Develop and maintain system documentation (P&IDs, assembly BOMs).
• Manage vendors for prototyping and production parts including DFm reviews.
• Design and execute subsystem tests to validate performance and life cycle.
• Collaborate with controls, electrical, and manufacturing teams to integrate subsystems.
• Perform basic fabrication, assembly, testing, debugging, and parts chasing.
• Evaluate designs for DFM/DFA and serviceability.
• Participate in FMEA across subsystems.

Skills

CAD software proficiency

Critical thinking

Communication

Hands-on design/build

Structured problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or relevant field

Master's degree or PhD in mechanical engineering or relevant field

Tools

SolidWorks

Onshape

Job description

Mojave is changing the nature of air conditioning. Air conditioning consumes ~9% of total global electricity production and results in the emissions of 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide annually. It is time for a change, and Mojave’s liquid desiccant air conditioning systems are doing just that. If you want to change the world, starting with the world of air conditioning, then you may belong at Mojave. We are looking for purpose-driven team members who enjoy problem solving, teamwork, and personal growth to join our venture-backed company.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

Mojave Energy Systems is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to take a significant role in designing and engineering our liquid desiccant air conditioner. Reporting to the Mechanical Design Engineering Manager,you will be responsible for mechanical design and testing of sub-systems and components for a novel HVAC product. The successful candidate should be comfortable overcoming design challenges under deadlines, working across teams, and working independently. This is a rare opportunity to be a part of creating and launching cutting edge technology for a venture-backed climate-tech company at a critical inflection point: we've proven the technology works, we're ramping production, and we need an engineer who can balance innovation with practical manufacturability and field robustness.

This is an on-site role in Sunnyvale, CA.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Own mechanical design projects across multiple HVAC subsystems, such as fans, heat exchangers, enclosures and chassis, from concept through manufacturing.
• Produce production-quality solid models and engineering drawings, including sheet metal and plastic components, in a collaborative CAD environment (Onshape).
• Select materials and components that hold up against corrosive fluids, temperature cycling, and lifting loads.
• Develop and maintain system-level documentation, including P&IDs and assembly BOMs.
• Manage vendors to quote, build and evaluate prototype and production parts, including DFM reviews and first-article inspection.
• Design and execute subsystem tests to explore the design space and validate solutions, including system performance and cycle life.
• Work closely with controls, electrical and manufacturing teams to integrate subsystems into the full product.
• Basic fabrication, assembly, machining, testing, debugging and parts chasing.
• Evaluate and improve designs for DFM/DFA, with attention to serviceability and ease of assembly.
• Participate in Failure Modes and Effects Analysis across subsystems, covering failure modes such as air leaks, corrosion, degradation and condensate management.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or relevant field.
• 3+ years' experience in mechanical design and design for manufacturing.
• Strong CAD skills (SolidWorks or Onshape preferred).
• Strong critical thinking skills: ability to dig deep into cause and effect and complex diagnostics.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate across a range of skill levels.
• Demonstrated history of hands-on experience in design/build.
• Knowledgeable in common manufacturing processes, including sheet metal forming and machining.
• Structured problem-solving skills, using inputs such as functional documentation (P&IDs, mechanical drawings) and performance testing data.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree or PhD in mechanical engineering or relevant field.
• Experience with HVAC, dehumidification, heat pump, or refrigeration systems.
• Experience with thermal/fluid simulation (CFD, FEA or 1D system modeling).
• Familiarity with HVAC standards (UL, AHRI, ASHRAE).

Mojave is a mission-driven company focused on advancing air conditioning technology. We manufacture our products in the United States at our Anderson, South Carolina facility and our engineering lab is based in Sunnyvale, California. We are committed to a workplace grounded in integrity, excellence, collaboration, and meaningful work. The anticipated compensation range for this position depends on location and could range from $110,000 - $160,000 based on location with an equity award (4-year vest) on hire. Equity represents a significant component of total compensation. Final compensation will be determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, skills, and work location, consistent with applicable law. We offer a benefits package that may include annual bonus eligibility (equity award) 401(k) with company match, health and welfare benefits, paid time off, company holidays, short/long-term disability and life insurance (subject to plan terms, eligibility requirements and applicable law).

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Working Conditions

• Ability to work in an independent environment with moderate supervision
• Ability to work under a moderate noise level (i.e. working on an open floor office with printers, telephones, computers, etc.)
• Ability to be flexible and successfully respond to multiple work pressures
• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate computer keyboard, mouse and other computer components