Senior Mechanical Engineer, Autonomous Vehicles

Aerovect; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

AeroVect is transforming ground handling with autonomous systems, and announces a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own end-to-end mechanical design for autonomous vehicle integration. You’ll lead concept-to-integration, prototype and validate production-ready solutions in a fast-paced startup setting.

Join a hands-on, collaborative team working with hardware, software, and systems groups to advance autonomously driven ground operations.

Qualifications

• 4+ years of hands-on mechanical design experience.
• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar) and strong DFM/DFA knowledge.
• Experience with prototyping, fabrication, and mechanical testing.
• Understanding of structural, thermal, and packaging considerations for vehicle systems.
• Strong ownership mindset, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Excellent collaboration and communication in a fast-moving, startup environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and integrate custom mechanical systems for sensors, computing, and autonomous hardware.
• Rapidly prototype, test, and iterate designs to validate performance and manufacturability.
• Lead assembly, validation, and troubleshooting of retrofitted vehicles.
• Collaborate closely with hardware, software, and systems teams to ensure seamless integration.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide design best practices across the team.

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD proficiency

DFM/ DFA knowledge

Prototyping & testing

Vehicle systems packaging

Collaboration & communication

Tools

SolidWorks

Prototyping equipment

Job description

Who We Are

AeroVect is transforming ground handling with autonomy, redefining how airlines and ground service providers around the globe run day-to-day operations. We are a Series A company backed by top-tier venture capital investors in aviation and autonomous driving. Our customers include some of the world’s largest airlines and ground handling providers. For more information, visit www.aerovect.com.

The Role

As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you’ll design and integrate mechanical systems that enable autonomous driving on production vehicles. You’ll take full ownership of projects, from concept to integration, working hands-on to bring robust, production-ready solutions to life. This is a highly collaborative, fast-paced role where you’ll shape the foundation of our upcoming hardware design and integration efforts.

You Will

• Design and integrate custom mechanical systems for sensors, computing, and autonomous hardware

• Rapidly prototype, test, and iterate designs to validate performance and manufacturability

• Lead assembly, validation, and troubleshooting of retrofitted vehicles

• Collaborate closely with hardware, software, and systems teams to ensure seamless integration

• Mentor junior engineers and guide design best practices across the team

You Have

• 4+ years of hands-on mechanical design experience

• Proficiency with CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar) and strong DFM/DFA knowledge

• Experience with prototyping, fabrication, and mechanical testing

• Understanding of structural, thermal, and packaging considerations for vehicle systems

• Strong ownership mindset, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail

• Excellent collaboration and communication in a fast-moving, startup environment