Mechanical Design Engineer

SoLa Impact•Los Angeles, CA

5d•$70,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

Model/Z seeks an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer to support product development and the design of manufacturable solutions for modular housing production. The role focuses on improving manufacturability and production efficiency while reducing housing costs in California. The engineer develops detailed 3D CAD models, prototypes, large assemblies, tooling, and fixtures in collaboration with manufacturing, quality, operations, and supply chain teams. The position carries designs through established engineering procedures, including design proposals, technical and design reviews, and PDM/PLM management. It evaluates designs for manufacturability and assembly; develops and tests prototypes; maintains engineering drawings and technical documentation; manages revisions and product configurations; and supports production-line testing and implementation. The engineer works with cross-functional teams to troubleshoot design-related production issues and implement improvements to quality, repeatability, cost, and manufacturing efficiency. The role also supports the transition of new and revised designs into production by ensuring requirements, documentation, materials, and configurations are communicated and controlled. Model/Z is a Southern California enterprise developing standardized modular housing units, with a mission to provide scalable, practical, high-quality, low-cost, net-zero-ready housing. The company is majority Black-owned and operated and is based in the historic Watts neighborhood of South Los Angeles, where it aims to employ local community members and pay living wages. Its factory-based manufacturing approach is intended to support affordable housing and community revitalization.

Requirements

0–3 years of mechanical engineering industry experience.
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals.
Advanced fabrication experience, including CNC machining, welding, and precision assembly.
Knowledge of rapid prototyping methods, lean manufacturing principles, and testing and validation procedures.
Experience with CAD/PDM/PLM systems, product development processes, and project management.
Proficiency in 3D mechanical design, analysis, and drafting tools.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Experience with Autodesk Inventor, NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, ANSYS, or similar tools.
Candidates local to Los Angeles are strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Evaluate potential product and process solutions for inefficiencies through technical analysis and prototyping, and validate economic feasibility with management using business principles.
Design and manage large assembly models, configuration management, and document control in accordance with ASME standards.
Implement design-build improvements and carry change implementations through Engineering Change Order processes on a live production line.
Manage internal PDM/PLM systems and external fabrication drawing libraries for manufacturers and suppliers.
Work cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, and industrial systems teams to support cohesive engineering execution.
Maintain EBOM, MBOM, and PBOM bills of materials and align them with ERP systems.
Work with Supply Chain and contracted manufacturers and suppliers.
Coordinate design solutions with architectural, structural, MEP, and inspection teams, and follow through with submittals to city and state government agencies.
Conduct root cause analysis of production processes and design features to identify potential pain points.
Apply automotive and aerospace manufacturing principles to the construction industry.
Write technical standard operating procedures and manuals to support Quality and Process Engineering.
Design and build production fixtures and jigs.
Fabricate and integrate precision tooling into the production line.
Troubleshoot technical problems to help reduce the cost of housing in Southern California.
Develop 3D CAD models, prototypes, large assemblies, tooling, and fixture designs.
Evaluate designs for manufacturability and assembly; develop and test prototype solutions.
Review and maintain engineering drawings and technical documentation, and manage design revisions and product configurations.
Support production-line testing and implementation, and the transition of new or revised designs from engineering into production.