Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Vehicle Interiors
Lightship
Design
South San Francisco, CA, USA
Posted on May 28, 2025
Overview
Lightship is the first American all-electric recreational vehicle manufacturer currently developing an aerodynamic, battery-powered trailer for the electric age. As the macro transition to an all-electric transportation ecosystem accelerates, Lightship is bringing the increased convenience and superior performance that electrification offers to a pastime enjoyed by over 11 million American families.
Honoring Diverse Perspectives
Lightship is committed to hiring and developing top talent from diverse backgrounds. We believe representing and supporting diverse groups is key to the success of our team members, customers, shareholders and the achievement of our mission and vision. We operate in a collaborative environment with a flat organizational structure and expect a high degree of integrity, autonomy and creativity from all members of the team.
About the Role
As Senior Mechanical Design Engineer you will develop design solutions for interior systems from concept phase through physical implementation utilizing multiple manufacturing processes. Interior sub-systems include seating, beds, interior trim, storage and kitchen consoles, flooring and interior partitions.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute mechanical designs for vehicle interior fittings, seating and convertible bed systems, and interior trim, from conception through prototyping and production, selecting manufacturing technologies well matched to program volumes and in line with vehicle cost and performance targets.
- Develop and release design data and documentation to adequately specify subsystem content at RFQ, prototype and production release phases.
- Support selection of suppliers and act as primary contact for vehicle interior component suppliers through the DFM, prototyping, and production readiness phases.
- Plan and carry out component and subsystem level testing to validate designs and identify opportunities for design improvement throughout the phases.
- Provide input into, and support the execution of system and vehicle level testing as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
- BS mechanical/aerospace engineering or similar (MS preferred)
- 5+ years of relevant experience
- Experience designing and engineering similar products, taking them from concept to production manufacturing, ideally in a lower volume environment
- Relevant prior experience in automotive or aerospace design/engineering, including interior trim, seating, BIW, or aero cabin monument design
- Familiarity with DFM for one or more of the following: sheet metal, molded parts, CNC machined components, honeycomb panel construction
- Solid working knowledge of a 3D CAD system, ideally Catia V5 or 3DX Catia (NX or SolidWorks are also considered)
Preferred Qualifications
- You are curious, fundamentals oriented, you question founding assumptions and you enjoy a challenge
- Collaborative mindset, dedication to excellence and thoroughness, clear communication style
- Prior experience in design and development of RV or vehicle interior components, mechanisms and furniture while working with cutting-edge materials and construction methods
- Experience with sustainable design and engineering practices preferred
Equity
- Lightship compensation consists of the yearly salary above plus equity, which gives you a stake in the company.
Onsite/Hybrid Work
Hybrid roles at Lightship require onsite work from our offices Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Tuesdays and Fridays are optional work from home days, when your work will be executed more successfully from home. Speak to the hiring manager to learn more.
Employee Benefits & Philosophy - Applies to Full Time Employees only
- Healthcare, Dental, Vision
- 401k
- Flexible Paid Time Off - that we actually want you to use!
- 8 Company Holidays + the company observes a period of scheduled downtime during the end of the year for a week, allowing all employees to enjoy a break
- 12 weeks paid parental leave
- $2,000 per year towards an RV trip of your own &/or professional development opportunities - we call this a LightTrip
Lightship offers all of its full time employees and their dependents full benefits including health, dental and vision insurance and covers 100% of the insurance premium. We are on a mission to create a more healthful all-electric experience for a pastime that millions of families enjoy and believe strongly that our team should not have to worry about quality healthcare for themselves or their loved ones along the way.