Sr Mechanical Design Engineer, Vehicle-Integrated Solar Panels

Aptera Motors•Carlsbad, CA

About The Position

We’re looking for a Design Engineer to help build vehicle-integrated solar panels from concept to production. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role where you’ll design real parts, work directly with suppliers, support builds, and solve problems as they come up.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or similar
3+ years of experience in mechanical or product design (solar, automotive, aerospace, or consumer hardware preferred)
Strong proficiency in CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE
Experience with advanced surfacing and complex exterior-facing parts
Solid understanding of DFM/DFA and production constraints
Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as: Glass and glazing systems Composites or laminates Injection molding, sheet metal, and bonded assemblies
Experience supporting parts through prototype and early production builds

Nice To Haves

Experience with vehicle exteriors, body panels, or structural glazing
Exposure to solar modules, photovoltaics, or electronics packaging
Experience working with overseas suppliers or contract manufacturers
Startup or early-production vehicle experience
Comfort being on the shop floor or build site when needed
Someone who likes ambiguity and can turn rough requirements into solid hardware
Comfort taking ownership and making decisions with incomplete information
Strong communication skills with engineers, suppliers, and non-technical teammates

Responsibilities

Own the mechanical design of vehicle-integrated solar panel components and assemblies from early concept through production
Create and manage 3D CAD and assemblies in CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE
Produce 2D drawings, GD&T, and release documentation for prototypes and production
Work directly with manufacturers and suppliers on feasibility, tooling, and iteration
Support prototype builds, testing, and validation, including hands-on troubleshooting
Rapidly iterate designs based on test results, build feedback, and changing requirements