
Mechanical Design Engineer - Power Systems at Lightship (South San Francisco, CA)
Lightship· South San Francisco, CA· $100k–$125k·
Role details
Job description
Overview
Lightship is the first American all-electric recreational vehicle manufacturer currently developing an aerodynamic, battery-powered trailer for the electric age. As the macro transition to an all-electric transportation ecosystem accelerates, Lightship is bringing the increased convenience and superior performance that electrification offers to a pastime enjoyed by over 11 million American families.
Honoring Diverse Perspectives Lightship is committed to hiring and developing top talent from diverse backgrounds. We believe representing and supporting diverse groups is key to the success of our team members, customers, shareholders and the achievement of our mission and vision. We operate in a collaborative environment with a flat organizational structure and expect a high degree of integrity, autonomy and creativity from all members of the team.
About the Role
As a Mechanical Design Engineer you will serve as a hands on technical lead for multiple power systems, primarily our all-electric RV’s Solar System. You will be responsible for supporting continuous development and testing of the solar arrays, related junction boxes, harnessing, charge controllers and circuit protection. With a small team, you'll also help dive into development on other Power Systems components, including power distribution modules, mounting brackets, electronics enclosures, and selecting off the shelf electronics components.
Responsibilities
- Work with the Product and Design teams to develop high level product requirements
- Create tolerance stack analyses and apply appropriate GD&T controls to 3D geometries
- Own the CAD & BOM for solar & related subsystems
- Perform Design Failure Modes & Effects Analysis (DFMEA) to highlight reliability and safety issues.
- Build functional prototypes of subsystems to ensure early de-risking before full vehicle builds
- Work with the test engineering team to troubleshoot issues from highly accelerated life testing (HALT) and vehicle level test failures
- Partner with supply chain for sourcing parts, components, and materials
Candidate Characteristics
- The ability to approach challenges with flexibility and creativity
- Solutions-oriented, with a focus on progress and impact over perfection
- Willingness to operate effectively at both strategic and hands-on levels
- Excellent communication, presentation, coordination skills & curiosity
Minimum Qualifications
- B.S. or higher degree in an engineering field, preferably Mechanical Engineering
- 2+ years industry design engineering experience
- Experience with the following:
- CAD/PLM/PDM systems
- Rapid iteration cycles
- Creating 3D CAD and drawings for electrical hardware components (cast/injection molded housings, busbars, wire harnesses, insulators, switches etc).
- Selecting appropriate materials for electrical hardware, including plastics, metals, polymers and ceramics
- Creating design validation plans for electrical hardware & mechanical assemblies
Preferred Qualifications
- High voltage power distribution systems
- Experience with solar arrays
- Experience designing wire harnesses (high voltage and low voltage)
- Experience with CATIA (3DX)
- Experience with structural analysis (basic stress/strain and modal analysis)
- Experience with designing for automotive environments
- Experience with DFM/DFA analysis
Equity
- Lightship compensation consists of the yearly salary above plus equity, which gives you a stake in the company.
Why work at Lightship
- Culture highlights: Values include “balance at work, home, and in the great beyond,” honoring diverse perspectives, autonomy with collaboration, and building to last. lightshiprv.com/company
- Work environment: Highly collaborative, with a high dose of integrity, autonomy, and creativity. lightshiprv.com/company
- Remote/hybrid/office policy: Roles are listed as on-site (Broomfield, CO or South San Francisco, CA). Hybrid/remote not explicitly mentioned; likely office-first for hardware roles.
- Notable perks: DEI focus, supportive of outdoor lifestyle, working on climate-positive products. Compensation rated 3.6/5 on Built In, career advancement 3.6/5; work-life balance scores 5.0/5. builtin.com/company/lightship-lightshiprvcom