Head of Mechanical Engineering

Salient Motion•Torrance, CA

1d•$220,000 - $250,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are pioneering modular motion technologies to power the next generation of innovation for Industrial, Aerospace and Defense. We are looking for a technically deep, hands-on Head of Mechanical Engineering to own our mechanical engineering function end-to-end. This is a senior leadership role that combines deep product expertise in electromechanical actuators with the organizational authority to set engineering direction, enforce aerospace standards, and build a high-performing team. You will serve as the technical authority for all mechanical systems and be accountable for product integrity from concept through qualification and production.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or closely related field.
10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, with at least 3 years in a technical leadership or senior engineering role.
Deep background in electromechanical actuator or precision mechanism development required.
Proven, hands-on design experience with electromechanical actuators—including motor integration, geartrains, output mechanisms, and position sensing—across the full product lifecycle.
Demonstrated working knowledge of DO-160, MIL-STD-810, and related standards.
Experience leading or contributing to formal qualification campaigns.
Proficiency in analytical methods for strength, fatigue, stiffness, and margin of safety.
Ability to perform and review hand calculations and FEA.
Expert-level use of SolidWorks, CATIA, NX, or equivalent 3D CAD platform.
Strong configuration management practices.
Advanced command of ASME Y14.5.
Ability to define and review tolerance schemes for precision assemblies.
Demonstrated ability to lead technical teams, drive design reviews, and make high-stakes engineering decisions under program pressure.
U.S. Citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) to meet customer and regulatory requirements.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree a plus.
Experience in flight hardware programs (UAV, launch vehicle, spacecraft, or crewed systems).
Familiarity with AS9100 quality management systems.
Background in motor-drive integration and thermal-mechanical co-design.
Experience qualifying hardware to MIL-PRF-27369 or similar actuation-specific standards.
Exposure to both fast-moving R&D environments and structured compliance-driven programs.
Prior experience at a small or scaling aerospace company.

Responsibilities

Serve as the final technical decision-maker for all mechanical designs.
Review and approve engineering drawings, analyses, and design packages across the actuator product line.
Maintain comprehensive system-level knowledge of all actuator products including kinematic architecture, load paths, drivetrain design, thermal management, and qualification status.
Lead formal design reviews (PDR, CDR, TRR) and ensure all mechanical work meets internal standards and applicable aerospace/defense requirements.
Provide hands-on guidance to the mechanical engineering team, elevating design quality, analytical rigor, and engineering judgment across the group.
Lead development of precision electromechanical actuators integrating motors, geartrains, lead screws, encoders, braking systems, and structural housings for flight and industrial applications.
Apply deep knowledge of gear ratios, backlash control, lubrication, and AGMA standards to drivetrain design decisions.
Own packaging and integration of actuator sub-systems including precision bearings, seals, thermal interfaces, and position feedback elements within tight volumetric and mass constraints.
Translate mission-level needs into quantified functional, performance, and interface requirements for mechanical assemblies.
Own mechanical compliance to applicable aerospace and defense standards including DO-160, MIL-STD-810, MIL-PRF-27369, and AS9100.
Identify applicable requirements early and drive design-to-compliance from inception.
Architect qualification and acceptance test programs including test equipment design, procedure development, and formal execution.
Ensure traceability from requirements to test evidence.
Guide design decisions for performance in high-vibration, thermal extreme, and vacuum environments.
Apply fatigue, margin of safety, and life analysis to qualify structural and dynamic hardware.
Enforce ASME Y14.5 GD&T on all drawings.
Ensure drawing packages support both manufacturing and inspection to aerospace quality levels.
Hire, develop, and retain mechanical engineers.
Define team structure, role responsibilities, and technical development roadmaps.
Work closely with contract manufacturers and suppliers to ensure hardware conformance.
Manage NCRs, deviations, and waivers with engineering rigor.
Lead DFM/DFA efforts to move designs from prototype to production-ready.
Reduce cost, improve yield, and maintain performance margins through production design iterations.
Lead by doing. Take on design work alongside the team—own hardware, run analyses, and stay close to the product.
Set the standard through personal output, not just direction.
Partner with program management to develop detailed lower-level schedules that support project milestones.
Proactively identify risks, shift resources to address issues, and keep engineering execution on track.
Develop workflows, templates, and tools that accelerate design iteration without sacrificing analytical rigor or compliance.
Identify and eliminate bottlenecks across the design-analyze-release cycle.
Collaborate with leadership to define and maintain a mechanical technology roadmap.
Identify capability gaps, emerging technologies, and strategic investments that keep Salient Motion ahead of the market.