Senior Advanced Quality Engineer

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 seeking a highly motivated Senior Advanced Quality Engineer (AQE) with a specialization in Mechanical Engineering to join our team. We are looking for exceptional quality and engineering professionals to bring ALSO's engineered products to life. This team exists to embed "Quality, Done Right" across the entire product lifecycle, serving as the strategic "Voice of Quality" for our R&D and Engineering teams.

In this vital role, you will champion product quality upstream, influencing mechanical architecture to prevent defects long before manufacturing begins. You will serve as the bridge between our Palo Alto design hub and our overseas Operations quality teams.

• Drive Upstream Quality:
  Partner deeply with Mechanical Design Engineers to engineer robustness into products, influencing architecture and driving "Design for Manufacturability" (DFM) and "Design for Assembly" (DFA) for mechanical systems.
• Risk Management:
  
  Lead precision execution of DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) for mechanical subsystems, defining critical-to-quality features and control plans.
• NPI Execution:
  Own the design quality process from start to finish, implementing Safe Launch Plans and Master Control Plans during the New Product Introduction (NPI) phase.
• Technical Problem Solving:
  Lead root cause investigations and failure analysis for mechanical failures in test or development environments.
• Cross-Functional Leadership:
  Act as the liaison between R&D in Palo Alto and overseas manufacturing partners, ensuring design intent is perfectly translated into production.

• Education:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial, Manufacturing, Materials Science, or a relevant technical field.
• Experience:
  
  10+ years of relevant experience in Quality Engineering, R&D, or NPI in a hardware/manufacturing environment.
• Mechanical Process Expertise:
  You possess deep specialized knowledge in one or more of the following:
  • Mechatronic/Vehicle: EV powertrain systems (motors, gearboxes) and processes like geartrain assembly, winding, magnetizing, and welding.
  • Bike FATP:
    Metal parts manufacturing, bike alignment, wheel assembly, and Bike EOL testing.
  • Fabrication:
    Metal or plastic parts manufacturing processes (e.g., die casting, extrusion, stamping, injection molding, forging, machining).
• Technical Proficiency:
  Expert ability to read and interpret complex mechanical drawings and GD&T.
• Methodology:
  Deep knowledge of APQP and PPAP methodologies.
• Systems:
  Proficiency with Arena PLM (or similar), Jira, and Microsoft/Google suites.
• Soft Skills:
  
  A self-starter with a process-oriented mindset, able to influence without authority and execute in an extremely fast-paced environment.

• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) or Six Sigma Green/Black Belt.
• Proven experience working with Tier 1 Contract Manufacturers (CMs) in Asia, Mexico, or Europe.
• Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in a relevant engineering field.

• This role is based in our Palo Alto office.
• Requires occasional schedule adjustments to collaborate with overseas Operations teams.
• Requires the ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally with no restrictions.

The salary for this position ranges from $165,000-$200,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.

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.

• 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.