Mechanical Engineer

Second Order Effects • El Segundo, CA

19h • $89,000 - $161,000 • Onsite

About The Position

As an Mechanical Engineer, you will support the design, architecture, and implementation of high performance electro-mechanical systems across a diverse range of projects. You will work alongside a collaborative team of engineers to find and develop the right solutions for the problems at hand and client use case. If you’re passionate about tackling mission-critical challenges and working across multiple industries, this is your chance to make a lasting impact and grow in a dynamic environment.

Requirements

• Able to work 40 hours a week on-site in El Segundo, California
• Eligible to work on ITAR projects
• Bachelor's Degree (Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related field) or equivalent experience
• Experience (internships and clubs count!) working with electro-mechanical systems, examples including avionics, motor-driven mechanisms, robotics, consumer electronics, etc.
• Strong design and spatial reasoning skills, proficiency in CAD software (OnShape, Solidworks, or similar), and general understanding of GD&T frameworks,
• Proven ability to communicate cross functionally and explain engineering concepts to a nontechnical audience or clients professionally
• Strong problem-solving skills and initiative to drive technical execution, optimize designs, and deliver robust, scalable solutions in a fast-paced environment
• Comfort with working on ambiguous problems with a moving target, being able to communicate the story of how a project went from initial concept to the final design

Nice To Haves

• Experience in team-based design and build projects (e.g., Formula SAE, Solar Car, CubeSat, Rover Challenge, etc.)
• Exposure across multiple manufacturing processes such as machining, injection molding, and 3D printing.
• Proven ability to lead team-based design and project management, working across disciplines to drive technical execution.
• Strong analytical skills in back-of-the-envelope calculations, FEA, and CAD modeling for design validation.
• Ability to assess and estimate system response to environmental factors
• Experience with structural and thermal testing of electro-mechanical assemblies

Responsibilities

• Support the design, architecture, and development of mechanical and electromechanical systems
• Own the design, development, prototyping, and testing of mechanical and electromechanical subsystems and components, ensuring they meet all performance, quality, and safety standards.
• Work closely with internal engineering teams and external customers to build solutions across multiple industries (aerospace, renewable energy, medical devices, etc.)
• Perform complex mechanical assessments (Structural, Thermal, Manufacturability, etc.), design and model complex integrated 3D assemblies, and produce robust component and assembly documentation
• Assess design risks and develop mitigation strategies

Benefits

• Equity (via ISOs) in Second Order Effects, Inc.
• Equity (via PIUs) in our incubated companies (through our holding company, Second Order Holdings, LLC)
• 100% employer-paid health insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision) for employees + 50% dependent coverage
• Flexible paid time off policy + 11 paid holidays + 12 paid sick days
• 401(k) retirement account and employer matching (Safe Harbor 4%)
• Up to 22 weeks of paid parental leave dedicated to new child bonding
• Relocation assistance available if 50+ miles away from the office
• Electric Vehicle (EV) charging ports at our LAX office
• Daily catered lunches, snacks, and accessible kitchen

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level