
Staff Mechanical Engineer, Structures at ALSO (Palo Alto, CA)
ALSO· Palo Alto, CA· $200k–$240k·
Role details
Summary
Design and model mechanical components for electric vehicle drivetrains, including 3D modeling, topology optimization, and NVH analysis. The role involves creating manufacturing instructions, coordinating with suppliers, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to move designs from prototype to mass production.
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 Mechanical Engineer, Structures that will be responsible for drivetrain structure design engineering.
What You'll Do
- Design and 3D modeling of mechanical components and assemblies, including high-pressure die casting, gravity casting, injection-molded plastics, sheet metal, fasteners, etc.
- Create drawing packages and manufacturing instructions for parts and assemblies
- Execute a design verification process and report (DVP&R) to validate requirements
- Perform topology optimization to balance strength and NVH objectives, identifying ribbing structures within the available package space to meet structural and NVH constraints
- Conduct sealing analysis with expertise in component hyper-elastic analysis
- Perform NVH analysis (modal, frequency response, mount mobility) and linear static stress analyses for complete drive unit systems
- Develop and maintain program-specific design failure mode and effects analyses (DFMEAs)
- Coordinate validation efforts between Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers
- Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, control, manufacturing, and test engineers to take designs from clean sheet through prototypes and into mass production
- Assist hands-on in engineering prototype builds and component fabrication
What You'll Bring
- Experience with high-volume manufacturing processes such as injection molding, stamping, etc.
- Proficiency in 3D/2D modeling tools (Catia V5/V6 preferred but not required)
- Proficiency in hands-on mechanical integration, assembly, troubleshooting, and documentation of mechanical and electromechanical systems
- Proficiency with CAE analysis software such as Ansys, Abaqus, Hyperworks, or similar, including understanding boundary conditions and their application on various drive unit components to capture realistic interactions
- Proficiency with understanding loads and their application on various drive unit components
- Experience with MATLAB and/or Python
- Knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and tolerance stack-up analyses
- Strong fundamental knowledge of material properties and heat treatment
- Strong fundamental knowledge of statics, dynamics, and mechanics of materials
The salary for this position ranges from $200,000 - $240,000 per year, depending on experience, qualifications, and location.
Perks & 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.
Why work at ALSO
- 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.