Senior Mechanical Engineer

Parallel; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 183,000; Full time

Job summary

Parallel Systems in Los Angeles, CA, seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design self-propelled rail vehicles and analyze dynamics, safety, and durability. You will develop CAD models and run simulations to validate performance across operating conditions.

The role requires 5+ years in mechanical engineering with strengths in structures, dynamics, and FEA, and hands-on experience with SolidWorks, CATIA, or NX in transport or rail contexts.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering focused on structures, dynamics, simulation, and machine design.
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX).
• Experience with multibody dynamics, FEA, and computational simulation.
• Experience in transportation, automotive, or railway applications is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze vehicle structures and actuated systems with focus on dynamics, kinematics, and structural integrity.
• Develop, optimize, and maintain CAD models for mechanical components and assemblies.
• Conduct multibody dynamics simulations to assess system performance under real-world conditions.
• Perform finite element analysis (FEA) for structural, fatigue, and modal performance.
• Investigate and resolve mechanical failures to improve system reliability.
• Support prototype development, testing, and validation of vehicle components as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Skills

Structures

Dynamics

Simulation

Machine design

Tools

SolidWorks

CATIA

Siemens NX

Simpack

Adams

FEA software

Job description

Parallel Systems is pioneering autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles designed to transform freight transportation by shifting portions of the $900 billion U.S. trucking industry onto rail. Our innovative technology offers cleaner, safer, and more efficient logistics solutions. Join our dynamic team and help shape a smarter, greener future for global freight.

Parallel Systems is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with expertise in dynamics, simulation, and CAD design to help us design the next generation of our self-propelled rail vehicles. This role will focus on designing and analyzing mechanical systems for performance, safety, and durability. Ideal candidates will have experience in vehicle dynamics and structural analysis, with a preference for those who have worked in railway or road vehicle applications .

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Responsibilities

• Design and analyze vehicle structures, mechanisms, and actuated systems with a focus on dynamics, kinematics, and structural integrity .
• Develop, optimize, and maintain CAD models for mechanical components and assemblies.
• Conduct multibody dynamics simulations to assess system performance under real-world conditions.
• Perform finite element analysis (FEA) for structural, fatigue, and modal performance.
• Investigate and resolve mechanical failures to improve system reliability.
• Support prototype development, testing, and validation of vehicle components as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering with a focus on structures , dynamics, simulation, and machine design .
• Strong proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX, or similar).
• Experience with multibody dynamics (MBD) simulation tools (Simpack, Adams, or equivalent).
• Expertise in finite element analysis (FEA) and computational simulation .
• Strong understanding of mechanical vibrations, fatigue analysis, and structural mechanics .
• Experience working with mechanical systems in transportation, automotive, or railway applications .
• Ability to interpret and apply engineering standards and safety regulations .

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in railway vehicle dynamics, bogie design, or track interaction .
• Knowledge of railway industry standards (EN, UIC, APTA, FRA, or similar).
• Experience with prototyping, manufacturing processes, and design for manufacturability (DFM) .
• Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar scripting tools for simulation automation.

We are committed to providing fair and transparent compensation in accordance with applicable laws. Salary ranges are listed below and reflect the expected range for new hires in this role, based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and location. Final compensation may vary and will be determined during the interview process. The target hiring range for this position is listed below.

Target Salary Range:: $150,000 USD - $183,000 USD

Parallel Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any discriminatory factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We work to build an inclusive environment in which all people can come to do their best work.

Parallel Systems is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Parallel Systems will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact your recruiter.