Staff Actuator Design Engineer

ALSO; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental and vision coverage

One Medical membership

401(k) match

Job summary

ALSO is seeking a Staff Actuator Design Engineer in Palo Alto to lead the design of electromechanical actuators for light EV platforms. You will create detailed drawings, model components, and collaborate with electrical and controls teams to ensure robust integration with embedded software.

The role requires 8+ years of actuator design experience, CATIA proficiency, and strong GD&T skills, with a salary in the $200k–$230k range.

Qualifications

• BS/MS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 8+ years designing electromechanical actuators.
• Deep understanding of motors, servo drives, and motion sensors.
• Experience with precision motion mechanisms and gear systems.
• Knowledge of friction, damping, and backlash mitigation.
• Ability to model mechanical behavior using MATLAB/Simulink or equivalent tools.
• Strong CAD/CAM skills with Catia V5/V6 and CAE tools.
• GD&T and tolerance stack‑up analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and test electromechanical actuators and motor‑driven mechanisms for light EV platforms.
• Create detailed drawing packages and manufacturing instructions for mechanical parts and assemblies.
• Perform 3D modeling of components and assemblies (die castings, plastics, sheet metal, etc.).
• Collaborate with electrical engineers to integrate PCBAs and wire harnesses.
• Coordinate validation with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers; develop DVP&Rs.
• Lead DFMEAs and mentor engineers through design reviews.

Skills

8+ years actuators

CATIA V5/V6

GD&T

MATLAB/Simulink

Python/C/C++ for drivers

Mechanical design sense

Education

BS/MS in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering

Tools

CATIA

Ansys/Abaqus/HyperWorks

MATLAB/Simulink

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 Staff Actuator Design Engineer to design the electromechanical actuators that control critical functions of next generation light electric vehicles, including but not limited to braking and steering systems. You will be a subject matter expert on actuation across our vehicle platforms, shaping how these systems are designed from first concept through production.

What You Will Do

• Design, develop, and test electromechanical actuators and motor-driven mechanisms for light electric vehicle platforms

• Create detailed drawing packages and manufacturing instructions for mechanical parts and assemblies

• Perform 3D modeling of components and assemblies, including die castings, injection-molded plastics, sheet metal, powder metal, and metal injection molding

• Collaborate with electrical engineers to integrate PCBAs, wire harnesses, and electronic systems into mechanical designs

• Collaborate with controls engineers to ensure physical systems support robust control and seamless integration with embedded software

• Coordinate validation efforts with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers

• Develop and execute design verification plans and reports (DVP&R)

• Lead and maintain design failure mode and effects analyses (DFMEAs)

• Prototype and iterate designs using hands‑on fabrication and lab testing to validate functionality

• Set actuator design standards and best practices for the engineering team

• Mentor and develop engineers through design reviews, technical guidance, and hands‑on collaboration

What You Will Bring

• BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field

• 8+ years of experience designing electromechanical actuators

• Deep understanding of motors, servo drives, and motion sensors

• Design experience with precision motion mechanisms, including force/displacement amplification, mechanical linkages, and motion transmission systems (spur, planetary, worm, cycloidal gearing, lead screws, and ball screws)

• Deep understanding of the sources and effects of friction, damping, and backlash, and how to mitigate and control them

• Ability to model mechanical behavior (e.g., stiffness, losses, backlash) using MATLAB/Simulink, Amesim, or equivalent 1D multiphysics simulation tool

• Strong foundation in material properties, coatings, heat treatment, statics, and dynamics

• Knowledgeable about control strategies and firmware implementation

• Proficient in 3D/2D CAD (Catia V5/V6 preferred) and skilled in CAE tools (Ansys, Abaqus, HyperWorks, or similar)

• Strong knowledge of GD&T and tolerance stack‑up analysis

• Bonus: Proficient in developing low‑level drivers using Python, C, and C++

• Bonus: Design experience with PCBA integration and wire harness design

• Bonus: Familiarity with PLM systems, BOM structuring, engineering changes, and deviation processes

The salary for this position ranges from $200,000 - $230,000 per year,

Perks and 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.