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Rethink recruit

Staff Actuator Design Engineer

Rethink recruit, Palo Alto, California, United States, 94306

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About ALSO We're ALSO, an electric mobility company originally conceived as part of Rivian. Our mission is to inspire everyone to ride ALSO-replacing car, truck, and SUV trips with small, efficient, and delightful EVs that are 10-50x more energy efficient. We're a passionate team of builders, innovators, and doers, working on vertically integrated light electric vehicles designed to solve today's global mobility challenges. Our team brings together leaders from technology, automotive, cycling, outdoor recreation, and retail to reimagine how the world moves.

The Role We are seeking a

Staff Actuator Design Engineer

to design electromechanical actuators that enable the critical functions of next-generation light EVs. You'll play a key role in designing, modeling, prototyping, and testing precision actuator systems, while working across disciplines to integrate electronics, firmware, and mechanical systems into robust, scalable solutions.

What You'll Do Design, develop, and test electromechanical actuators and motor-driven mechanisms for EV platforms. Create detailed drawing packages and manufacturing instructions for mechanical parts and assemblies. Perform 3D modeling of components and assemblies, including die castings, injection-molded plastics, sheet metal, and fasteners. Collaborate with electrical engineers on PCBA, wiring harnesses, and system integration. Partner with firmware engineers to ensure actuator systems support robust control and embedded software integration. Prototype and iterate designs using hands-on fabrication and lab testing. Lead validation activities with Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers. Develop and execute design verification plans (DVP&R) and maintain DFMEAs. What You'll Bring

Deep understanding of motors, servo drives, and motion sensors. Experience with precision motion systems, including linkages, transmission systems, and force/displacement amplification. Ability to model system behaviors (stiffness, losses, backlash) using MATLAB/Simulink. Knowledge of PCBA integration and wire harness design. Strong foundation in materials, heat treatment, statics, and dynamics. Familiarity with control strategies and embedded firmware. Programming skills in Python, C, or C++ for low-level drivers. Proficiency in CAD (Catia V5/V6 preferred) and CAE tools (Ansys, Abaqus, HyperWorks). Strong knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-up analysis, and PLM systems. Why ALSO At ALSO, you'll be part of a small, world-class team solving hard problems in electric mobility. We're creating a new category of vehicles that are more efficient, affordable, and joyful to ride.

Perks and Benefits

$220,000 - $250,000 salary, based on experience Excellent health, dental, and vision insurance (up to 100% employer-covered) One Medical membership and dedicated insurance advocates Rich fertility and family-building benefits with Progyny Flexible time off policy 401(k) match Work with a mission-driven, passionate team building the future of mobility

Join Us If you're excited about designing the actuators that power the future of small EVs, we'd love to hear from you.