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Mechanical Design Engineer, Vehicle-Integrated Solar Panels

Aptera Motors
Full-time
On-site
Carlsbad, California, United States
Solar Panel Inspections

About the role

We’re looking for a Design Engineer to help build vehicle-integrated solar panels from concept to production. This is a hands-on, high-ownership role where you’ll design real parts, work directly with suppliers, support builds, and solve problems as they come up.


What you'll do

  • Own the mechanical design of vehicle-integrated solar panel components and assemblies from early concept through production
  • Create and manage 3D CAD and assemblies in CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE
  • Produce 2D drawings, GD&T, and release documentation for prototypes and production
  • Work directly with manufacturers and suppliers on feasibility, tooling, and iteration
  • Support prototype builds, testing, and validation, including hands-on troubleshooting
  • Rapidly iterate designs based on test results, build feedback, and changing requirements

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or similar
  • 3+ years of experience in mechanical or product design (solar, automotive, aerospace, or consumer hardware preferred)
  • Strong proficiency in CATIA 3DEXPERIENCE
  • Experience with advanced surfacing and complex exterior-facing parts
  • Solid understanding of DFM/DFA and production constraints
  • Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as:
    • Glass and glazing systems
    • Composites or laminates
    • Injection molding, sheet metal, and bonded assemblies
  • Experience supporting parts through prototype and early production builds

Nice-to-Have (But Not Required)

  • Experience with vehicle exteriors, body panels, or structural glazing
  • Exposure to solar modules, photovoltaics, or electronics packaging
  • Experience working with overseas suppliers or contract manufacturers
  • Startup or early-production vehicle experience
  • Comfort being on the shop floor or build site when needed

Why This Role Is Different

  • Your designs won’t sit in a folder, they’ll be on vehicles
  • You’ll have real ownership over parts and systems
  • You’ll influence both product direction and manufacturing strategy
  • You’ll work on technology that directly improves vehicle efficiency and sustainability

Preferred Qualifications

  • Someone who likes ambiguity and can turn rough requirements into solid hardware
  • Comfort taking ownership and making decisions with incomplete information
  • Strong communication skills with engineers, suppliers, and non-technical teammates

Team Structure 

  • Individual contributor; collaborate with other teams and individuals, as necessary

Required Experience

  • 3+ years of experience in mechanical or product design (solar, automotive, aerospace, or consumer hardware preferred)

Educational Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or similar

Salary + Benefits 

  • Market competitive compensation package
  • Stock option grants 
  • Fully funded benefits package for employee + dependents
  • Generous Flexible Time Away policy 

Application Process

  • Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter detailing their relevant experience and why they are qualified for this role.