---
title: 'Staff Actuator Design Engineer at ALSO'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/staff-actuator-design-engineer-also-palo-alto-zp6wkknpkm2s'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-10-15'
---

# Staff Actuator Design Engineer at ALSO

- **Company:** ALSO
- **Location:** Palo Alto, CA
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-10-02
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-10-15
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/ridealso/7a26574c-762f-45a3-bf80-ed5643d633d7

## Job description

About ALSO. We’re ALSO, an electric mobility company originally conceived as a part of Rivian. We’re a passionate team of builders, dreamers, doers and innovators, focused on creating entirely new (not to mention, innovative and delightful) vertically integrated, small EVs designed to meet the global mobility challenges of today and tomorrow. Our mission is to inspire everyone to ride ALSO—replacing many local car, truck and SUV miles with ones on vehicles that are more affordable, more enjoyable and 10-50x more efficient.

ALSO is looking for a Staff Actuator Design Engineer to design the electromechanical actuators that control critical functions of next generation light electric vehicles, including but not limited to braking and steering systems. You will be a subject matter expert on actuation across our vehicle platforms, shaping how these systems are designed from first concept through production.

## What You Will Do

- Design, develop, and test electromechanical actuators and motor-driven mechanisms for light electric vehicle platforms
- Create detailed drawing packages and manufacturing instructions for mechanical parts and assemblies
- Perform 3D modeling of components and assemblies, including die castings, injection-molded plastics, sheet metal, powder metal, and metal injection molding
- Collaborate with electrical engineers to integrate PCBAs, wire harnesses, and electronic systems into mechanical designs
- Collaborate with controls engineers to ensure physical systems support robust control and seamless integration with embedded software
- Coordinate validation efforts with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers
- Develop and execute design verification plans and reports (DVP&R)
- Lead and maintain design failure mode and effects analyses (DFMEAs)
- Prototype and iterate designs using hands-on fabrication and lab testing to validate functionality
- Set actuator design standards and best practices for the engineering team
- Mentor and develop engineers through design reviews, technical guidance, and hands-on collaboration

## What You Will Bring

- BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related field
- 8+ years of experience designing electromechanical actuators
- Deep understanding of motors, servo drives, and motion sensors
- Design experience with precision motion mechanisms, including force/displacement amplification, mechanical linkages, and motion transmission systems (spur, planetary, worm, cycloidal gearing, lead screws, and ball screws)
- Deep understanding of the sources and effects of friction, damping, and backlash, and how to mitigate and control them
- Ability to model mechanical behavior (e.g., stiffness, losses, backlash) using MATLAB/Simulink, Amesim, or equivalent 1D multiphysics simulation tool
- Strong foundation in material properties, coatings, heat treatment, statics, and dynamics
- Knowledgeable about control strategies and firmware implementation
- Proficient in 3D/2D CAD (Catia V5/V6 preferred) and skilled in CAE tools (Ansys, Abaqus, HyperWorks, or similar)
- Strong knowledge of GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
- Bonus: Proficient in developing low-level drivers using Python, C, and C++
- Bonus: Design experience with PCBA integration and wire harness design
- Bonus: Familiarity with PLM systems, BOM structuring, engineering changes, and deviation processes

The salary for this position ranges from $200,000 - $230,000 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and location.

## Perks and Benefits

- Robust health coverage. Excellent health, dental and vision insurance covered up to 100% by Also. with FSA & HSA options.
- One Medical membership and dedicated insurance advocates.
- Rich fertility and family building benefits with Progyny.
- Flexible time off.
- 401(k) match.

Why ALSO. We’re passionate about helping the world find a better way to get there—wherever it is you’re headed. We’re located in the heart of Silicon Valley and have brought together a world-class team from some of the biggest brands in the technology, automotive, cycling, outdoor recreation and retail spaces. Together we’re working hands-on to imagine, design and build an entirely new solution to a global set of transportation challenges.

## About ALSO

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: ALSO is an electric mobility company designing and building small, vertically integrated electric vehicles for moving people and goods, originally incubated within Rivian.
- **Entity Type**: Private (Series C, Unicorn)
- **Headquarters**: Palo Alto, California, United States
- **Founded**: 2025
- **Founders**: Not publicly disclosed; the company was formed as a stealth team within Rivian before spinning out as an independent entity.

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Alternative Fuel Vehicle Manufacturing / Electric Mobility
- **Target customers**: B2C (urban consumers) and B2B (logistics, delivery, and transportation partners)
- **Mission**: To build the world’s best small vehicles for moving people and goods, driven and autonomous, with a focus on sustainability and rethinking transportation from first principles.

## Products & Services
Based on publicly available information, ALSO has not yet announced specific product names beyond the “TM” and “TM-” references on its website. The company is developing a vertically integrated technology platform that spans motors, batteries, electronics, and software. Its product lineup includes small EVs for both consumer and commercial use, with a flagship vehicle set to launch in early 2026.

- **[Flagship Small EV (unnamed)]**: A vertically integrated, small electric vehicle for urban and commercial use. It combines in-house powertrain, battery, electronics, and autonomy software. Launch expected in early 2026, initially in the U.S. and Europe. [ridealso.com](https://ridealso.com/pages/news)
- **Commercial Platform**: ALSO works with logistics, delivery, and transportation partners to deliver custom solutions at scale. [ridealso.com](https://ridealso.com/pages/company)

## Market Standing
- **Valuation**: $1–2.5B (unicorn status) as of March 2026 (latest valuation per Dealroom). [dealroom.co](https://dealroom.co/companies/ridealso-com/)
- **Total Funding**: $505M across four rounds.
  - Corporate Round (Feb 2025) – 1 investor
  - Series B (Mar 2025) – $105M led by Eclipse
  - Venture Round (Aug 2025) – $200M led by Greenoaks
  - Series C (Mar 2026) – $200M led by Greenoaks, with participation from other investors
- **Notable Investors/Partners**: Eclipse Ventures, Greenoaks. ALSO works with commercial partners in logistics and transportation sectors.
- **Growth Signals**: Headcount grew 290.9% year-over-year to 205 employees (LinkedIn, as of mid-2026). The company is actively hiring 48 open positions across engineering, product, and operations. It operates in five countries (U.S., Taiwan, U.K., South Africa, China). Strong talent inflow from Rivian (56 employees), Tesla, Apple, and Cruise. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ridealso)

## Competitive Advantages
- **Vertically Integrated Technology**: In-house development of motors, batteries, electronics, and software enables a tightly optimized, high-performance EV platform.
- **Rivian Pedigree**: Originally incubated within Rivian, benefiting from automotive rigor and advanced software/autonomy expertise.
- **Focus on Small EVs**: Addresses a rapidly growing market segment where 80% of car trips are under 15 miles, with urban population projected to reach 7 billion by 2050.
- **Strong Financial Backing**: $505M in funding from top-tier investors, providing ample runway for product launch and scaling.

## Strategic Focus
- **Product Launch**: Introduce the flagship small EV in early 2026, first in the U.S. and Europe, then globally.
- **Commercial Expansion**: Deepen partnerships with logistics, delivery, and transportation companies to scale custom vehicle solutions.
- **Technology Platform**: Continue to advance in-house autonomy, sensing, and connectivity features to differentiate the user experience.
- **Talent Growth**: Rapidly hiring across engineering, design, and operations to support product development and future scaling.

## Why Work Here
- **Mission-Driven Culture**: Employees are described as “builders, technologists, designers, and dreamers” focused on creating sustainable, delightful mobility.
- **High-Growth Environment**: Headcount has tripled year-over-year, offering early employees significant impact and career acceleration.
- **Top-Tier Team**: Colleagues come from Rivian, Tesla, Apple, Cruise, and other elite companies, fostering a culture of craft and excellence.
- **Technical Depth**: Opportunities to work on cutting-edge EV hardware, software, autonomy, and battery systems. Open roles include Senior Software Engineer (ML), Motor Controls Engineer, Battery Design Engineer, and Staff Reliability Engineer.
- **Office Locations**: Hubs in Palo Alto (vehicle engineering, software, design), Seattle (customer experience & commerce), and Taichung, Taiwan (supply chain & logistics). The work policy is not explicitly stated but likely hybrid or office-first given the hardware focus.
- **Perks**: Not publicly detailed, but as a well-funded unicorn, competitive compensation and equity packages are standard.

## Sources
1. [ridealso.com](https://ridealso.com/pages/company)
2. [ridealso.com](https://ridealso.com/pages/news)
3. [linkedin.com](https://www.linkedin.com/company/ridealso)
4. [dealroom.co](https://dealroom.co/companies/ridealso-com/)
5. [ridealso.com](https://ridealso.com/)

## Other roles at ALSO

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- [Community Engagement Specialist](https://feeny.ai/job/community-engagement-specialist-also-seattle-z0rq0ntdpd4y) — Seattle, WA
- [Sales Associate (Part-Time), Los Angeles](https://feeny.ai/job/sales-associate-part-time-los-angeles-also-los-angeles-jxzgs1jr6m53) — Los Angeles, CA
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