Senior Closures Engineer

Zoox•Foster City, CA

About The Position

Zoox is developing fully autonomous vehicles and the supporting ecosystem required to bring the technology to market at scale. Sitting at the intersection of robotics, machine learning, and design, Zoox aims to provide the next generation of mobility-as-a-service in urban environments. We believe the transition to self-driving vehicles requires a combination of elegant vision and uncompromising execution. As a Senior Closures Engineer, you will serve as a technical anchor within the Closures team, bridging the gap between high-level vehicle architecture and detailed component design. You will drive the technical evolution of our closure sub-systems, solving unique challenges related to high-duty cycle reliability and sensor integration. This role requires a veteran who has seen a vehicle program from concept through to production and can navigate the complexities of mechanisms, sealing, and structural integration.

Requirements

BS in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or relevant field.
8+ years of professional experience in mechanical engineering (or 6+ years with an advanced degree), with a focus on automotive closures or complex robotics.
Must have a proven track record of taking a closure system or complex mechanism through a full vehicle development cycle (Design -> Sourcing-> Validation-> Launch).
Deep experience designing automated sliding/hinged doors, liftgates, trunks, or charge port mechanisms. Demonstrated expertise in kinematic synthesis.
Expert-level fluency in 3D CAD software, preferably CATIA 3D experience.
Strong knowledge of Design for Manufacturability (DFM), including familiarity with GD&T, dimensional engineering, and manufacturing processes (casting, stamping, injection molding).

Nice To Haves

Experience with MATLAB/Simulink for mechanical system modeling and closed-loop control systems.
Solid electronics fundamentals; comfortable working with ECUs and performing basic electrical debugging tasks.
Familiarity with InspireForm, InspireCast, or similar feasibility software.

Responsibilities

Refine and evolve complex closure architectures from concept to launch, driving strategic integration decisions and leading cross-functional consensus to resolve tough geometric challenges, while also anticipating downstream manufacturing and quality challenges before they arise.
Lead the hands-on design and systems integration of complex mechanisms (actuators, latches, hinges) using high-fidelity CAD (surfacing/solid) and defining new processes for kinematic synthesis.
Analyze mechatronic systems and structural components using simulation tools (SimSolid, Python, MATLAB) to validate concepts early and develop unique hardware/firmware solutions for dynamic problems.
Drive quality by creating new engineering standards for DFM and mechanism design, while independently leading root cause analysis and resolution for complex hardware issues.
Collaborate with internal partners and external suppliers to align on requirements and deliver systems that meet functional, aesthetic, and schedule targets.