Staff Actuator Design Engineer Light Electric Vehicles

Palo Alto, CA

Posted: 11/13/25 Job Number: 26323560

Job Description


Join a well-funded electric-mobility startup building vertically integrated, small EVs that replace local car miles with something far more efficient (10 50 ), affordable, and fun. You'll own the design of the electromechanical actuators that power critical vehicle functions end to end.

What you'll do
  • Design electromechanical actuators and motor systems for lightweight EVs.
  • Create CAD models/assemblies and manufacturing instructions;apply GD&T and materials best practices.
  • Partner with electrical/firmware to integrate electronics and controls.
  • Build validation plans, run failure analysis with suppliers, and ensure reliability.
  • Prototype, test, and iterate for performance, cost, and manufacturability.

What you'll bring
  • Expert knowledge of motors, servo drives, sensors, precision mechanisms.
  • Strong MATLAB/Simulink skills;CAE with Ansys/Abaqus/HyperWorks (or similar).
  • Programming in Python/C/C++ for control & system integration.
  • Advanced 3D CAD (CATIA preferred) and PLM experience.
  • Proven electro-mechanical integration in automotive or adjacent industries.

Why this is different
  • Own a platform-defining subsystem: You'll drive actuator architecture on a new light-EV platform with direct visibility to leadership.
  • Right-time, right-scale: Small, elite team with a high talent bar;flat structure where technical voices lead decisions.
  • Real impact: Ship hardware that changes how cities move.

Benefits (highlights)
  • Robust medical/dental/vision (high company coverage), One Medical
  • Fertility & family benefits (Progyny)
  • Flexible time off 401(k) match
  • Relocation support considered

Meet Your Recruiter

Roy Evans
Managing Director

Roy Evans is a record setting recruiter noted for consistently excelling and for the innovative systems he has developed. A well know industry trainer has anointed Roy as being in the top 5% of all recruiters worldwide both in terms of production and skill level.

Roy uses “RoyLentless” effort, world-class technology and great process to attract professionals with the drive, discipline and motivation to deliver extraordinary results for his clients.

LinkedIn has crowned Roy as someone who could write a book on using LinkedIn as one of its top 1% in recruiter users. Roy is LinkedIn Certified and a charter member of the Association of Talent Acquisition Professionals.

In his spare time, Roy is a college football fan who enjoys fishing, fitness and spending time with his wife and two children.

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