Senior Mechanical Designer

Location : Oxnard, CA

Salary : $112,200 — $142,800

Bonus : 5-10%

Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mechanical Designer to join our dynamic engineering team. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in mechanical design and fabrication, with a focus on creating innovative solutions for complex projects. This role requires proficiency in Solidworks and a deep understanding of engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and materials selection. The Senior Mechanical Designer will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure project success from concept through to completion.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings for complex metal and composite components using Solidworks.
• Apply Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing standards to ensure manufacturing accuracy.
• Select appropriate metals (e.g., aluminum, titanium, stainless steel) and composite materials (e.g., carbon fiber, fiberglass) based on structural and environmental requirements.
• Design for manufacturability (DFM) and assembly (DFA), particularly in precision fabrication environments.
• Conduct or oversee FEA (Finite Element Analysis), thermal analysis, and tolerance stack-up analysis to validate designs.
• Interpret test results and iterate designs based on performance and failure data.
• Work closely with fabrication teams to communicate design intent and resolve production issues.
• Develop jigs, fixtures, and tooling concepts for precision fabrication and assembly.
• Oversee the build of prototypes and manage design iterations based on feedback from testing and evaluation.
• Collaborate with vendors and contract manufacturers to ensure capability with advanced fabrication techniques (e.g., CNC machining, waterjet, autoclave curing for composites).
• Lead or mentor junior designers and drafters, reviewing their work for accuracy, quality, and adherence to standards.
• Own design deliverables throughout the project lifecycle.
• Generate BOMs (Bills of Materials), engineering change orders (ECOs), and technical documentation for release to production.
• Maintain configuration control of design files and revisions.
• Ensure designs meet relevant industry and customer specifications including ISO, aerospace, and military standards.
• Drive innovation in lightweighting and integration of advanced materials.
• Research and implement new design methodologies or fabrication technologies (e.g., additive manufacturing).
• Identify and implement improvements to design workflows, modeling practices, and design review processes.

Education Requirements

• Any combination of education and experience providing the required skill and knowledge for successful job performance will be considered.
• Advanced coursework or certification in:
  • SolidWorks (Expert-level skills required)
  • Composite materials and fabrication techniques

Experience Requirements

• 7–10+ years of progressive experience in mechanical design, with a strong focus on:
  • High-precision metal fabrication
  • Composite materials (e.g., carbon fiber layup, bonded structures, autoclave processes)
• Proven track record of:
  • Designing for manufacturability (DFM) and assembly (DFA)
  • Taking complex mechanical systems from concept through production
  • Leading or mentoring small design teams or interfacing with cross-functional groups (engineering, manufacturing, QA)
• Experience with:
  • Tolerance analysis and detailed drawing creation using industry-standard practices
  • Prototyping, iterative testing, and validation processes
  • Working in defense, aerospace, and/or automotive industries

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on fabrication experience or background in a machine/fab shop environment
• Familiarity with aerospace, defense, or ISO quality standards
• Expert-level SolidWorks skills

Additional Requirements

• Must be a US Citizen
• May be required to work weekends to meet project deadlines
• Work onsite full-time.
• Travel as needed up to 50%