---
title: 'Staff Mechanical Engineer, Structures at ALSO'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/staff-mechanical-engineer-structures-also-palo-alto-tww2g11b752g'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-10'
---

# Staff Mechanical Engineer, Structures at ALSO

- **Company:** ALSO
- **Location:** Palo Alto, CA
- **Compensation:** $200k–$240k
- **Employment:** full-time
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-02-25
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-10
- **Apply:** https://jobs.ashbyhq.com/ridealso/8e7c4671-6858-4666-9e93-1fb74de8c4e0/application

**Skills:** 3D Modeling, 2D Modeling, Injection Molding, Stamping, Ansys, Abaqus, Hyperwork, Matlab, Python, GD&T, Tolerance Stack-up, NVH Analysis, Modal Analysis, Frequency Response, Static Stress Analysis, Topology Optimization, Material Properties, Heat Treatment, Statics, Dynamics

> 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.

## 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/)

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