Senior Mechanical Engineer - Fuel Systems

Quantum Fuel Systems LLC.; Lake Forest (CA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive Health Coverage

401(k) with company match

Paid time off

Job summary

Quantum Fuel Systems, based in Lake Forest, California, is seeking a Sr. Mechanical Engineer / Fuel Systems Engineering to develop new high‑pressure hydrogen and CNG components and to improve existing designs for automotive and virtual pipeline applications.

The role emphasizes leading high‑pressure designs, coordinating DFMEA and testing activities, selecting qualified suppliers, and providing cross‑functional technical support while mentoring junior engineers and implementing QA procedures.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering with 5 years’ experience; Master’s degree a plus.
• Experience with high-pressure fuel systems (CNG/H2) design and components.
• Familiar with DFMEA, ADVP&R, GD&T and automotive standards for alternative fuel systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-pressure component and system designs.
• Generate and support design activities: DFMEA, ADVP&R, etc.
• Evaluate, select, and qualify supplier products and services.
• Outline and oversee or perform product verification and validation testing.
• Support field services and failure root cause analyses.
• Knowledge of material compatibility issues with hydrogen and natural gas.
• Apply a systematic engineering approach to design processes.
• Perform analytic calculations (load and flow).
• Provide technical support to internal and external customers.
• Maintain good communication and documentation; mentor junior engineers.
• Stay current with industry trends and QA procedures; implement QA procedures and DWI.

Skills

High-pressure design

DFMEA

Supplier evaluation

Verification & validation

Hydrogen & CNG knowledge

Analytical calculations

Technical communication

Mentoring junior engineers

QA procedures

Education

Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree is a plus

Tools

NX Unigraphics

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Quantum Fuel Systems / www.qtww.com

Reports to: Senior Vice President, Product Engineering

Location: Lake Forest, CA (onsite at company headquarters)

Employment type: Full-time

FLSA: Exempt

Pay Range: $120,000.00 - $140,000.00/year

Quantum Fuel Systems is engineering the future of alternative fuel solutions. For over 25 years, we've been at the forefront of clean energy innovation, designing, developing, and delivering industry-leading storage systems and transport trailers for compressed natural gas (CNG), renewable natural gas (RNG), and hydrogen.

Based in Lake Forest, California, we're driving clean energy forward by helping our partners meet ambitious net-zero targets with safe, reliable, and sustainable solutions. Our product line includes next-generation fuel storage systems for commercial vehicles and virtual pipeline trailers that offer industry-leading capacity with advanced composite technology.

We are seeking a talented and innovative Sr. Mechanical Engineer / Fuel Systems Engineering to join our team. This role will be pivotal in the development of new products, improvement of existing designs, and support of system design activities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering, experience with alternative fuel systems or related industries, and a passion for creating cutting-edge solutions that advance safety and performance in the alternative fuel sector and gas transportation. Additionally, this role will involve preparing specifications for hydrogen and CNG vehicle and transportation components and working with internal and external customers to design and configure components for various applications. Design, develop, test, and integrate high-pressure gaseous fuel components and systems for CNG and Hydrogen automotive, truck, and virtual pipeline applications.

• Lead high-pressure component and system designs.
• Generate and support design activities: DFMEA, ADVP&R, etc.
• Evaluate, select, and qualify supplier products and services.
• Outline and oversee or perform product verification and validation testing.
• Support field services and failure root cause analyses.
• Knowledge of material compatibility issues with hydrogen and natural gas.
• Ability to apply a systematic and logical approach to engineering and design processes.
• Perform analytic calculations, e.g., load and flow calculations.
• Provide technical support and expertise to internal (e.g. operations, manufacturing, sales, service) and external customers.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Strong documentation skills; test procedures, test reports, etc.
• Lead and mentor Junior Mechanical Engineers.
• Stay current with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices to drive continuous improvement and innovation in design processes.
• Adopt and implement Quantum's Quality Assurance Procedures-QAP and Departmental Work Instructions-DWI.

Education and Experience:

Required:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering + 5 years’ experience. Master's degree is a plus.

Preferred:

• Product development with high pressure components in automotive.
• High pressure gaseous (hydrogen, CNG) system design and component selection.
• Developing and implementing test procedures.
• Software: CAD (NX Unigraphics preferred)
• Large modular assemblies design
• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, materials selection (e.g. knowledge of material compatibility issues with hydrogen and natural gas), and manufacturing processes.
• Knowledge of automotive industry standards and regulations related to alternative fuel systems.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication skills and ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
• Design for Manufacturing (DFM) concepts.
• Familiar with control plans, FMEA, and GD&T.

Physical Job Requirements:

The employee will spend some of their time on the production floor. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to stand for long periods of time, kneel, and crouch. In the office, the employee is regularly required to use their hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and telephone keypad or to write, as well as talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus. This position involves occasionally lifting to 40 pounds.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY & AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

Quantum Fuel Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating an environment where all employees can thrive.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, uniform service member and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, age, protected medical condition, genetic information, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and applicable state and local laws, Quantum Fuel Systems provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of employment, including the application and interview process. If you require a reasonable accommodation to perform the essential functions of a job or to participate in the application process, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] so that we may engage in the interactive process to identify an appropriate accommodation.

We will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinance and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance where applicable.

Benefits - What We Offer:

• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Choose from 2 HMO or 2 PPO medical plans, plus dental, vision, and life insurance
• Financial Benefits – 401(k) with company match and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Paid Time Off – Vacation, sick leave, and company holidays