Sr Mechanical Design Engineer, Vehicle-Integrated Solar Panels

Design Engineer

Aptera Motors is dedicated to building a future where every journey is powered by the sun. We specialize in creating solar electric vehicles that revolutionize the way we travel, providing sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.

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 3
  
  DEXPERIENCE
• 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 3
  
  DEXPERIENCE
• 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.