AWM is an industry leader building AI and computer-vision powered autonomous solutions for industrial supply, construction, and retail. Our flagship frictionless environments combine cameras, sensors, and intelligent software to enable fast, unmanned checkout, accurate tracking, and real-world reliability.
We are seeking a talented Senior Director of Mechanical Engineering to lead the design, development, and optimization of mechanical systems for our hardware which is a key part of our solutions. You will play an important role in personally designing, prototyping, and producing as well as working with others. This is a hands-on senior position ideal for an engineer who thrives in a fast-paced, innovative environment where mechanical design directly impacts product performance in real-world settings.
Primary Responsibilities
- Design and develop mechanical components, assemblies, and full systems for AWM solutions across the full lifecycle, including detailed 3D modeling/drawings/assemblies in SolidWorks, device prototyping, verification & validation (V&V) testing, and production tooling design & validation.
- Perform structural analysis, tolerance analysis, and FEA simulations to ensure reliability under varied environmental conditions.
- Select materials and manufacturing processes (e.g., sheet metal, injection molding, CNC, 3D printing) to optimize cost, durability, and production scale for both small- and large-batch builds.
- Build and test prototypes to validate designs and support iteration toward production-ready solutions.
- Conduct failure mode analysis, root cause investigations, and reliability testing as needed.
- Generate and maintain engineering artifacts and documentation, including fabrication drawings, design review files, design history files, and BOMs.
- Interface with vendors/suppliers to source and validate tools, fixtures, materials, and manufacturing processes.
- Identify and execute opportunities to reduce cost and improve quality across designs, builds, and production.
- Assist and mentor other engineers in designing and developing mechanical and electro-mechanical products and systems, and collaborate cross-functionally to integrate mechanical work with other aspects of the overall solution.
- Facilitate project-related meetings and kick-offs to align stakeholders and drive execution.
- Contribute to hardware roadmap planning and assist in maintaining the product roadmap and departmental organization.
- Own the organization and coordination of deliverables requiring fabrication or other mechanical engineering involvement to ensure deployments can be properly executed.
- Support miscellaneous technical or operational duties as needed to enable other AWM staff and broader company objectives.
Qualifications
- Preferred but experience can substitute: bachelor’s or master’s degree in mechanical engineering
- 7+ years of recent hands on experience performing hands on mechanical engineering work
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to make decisions that align with overall business goals.
- Excellent collaboration skills to work effectively in a fast-paced team environment.
What We Offer
- Paid vacation and sick time
- Health benefits
- A dynamic and engaging environment where you can make an impact and gain exposure to the latest technologies
- Opportunity for growth
- 401k plan
- Potential for employee stock option plan participation
- $120,000-$150,000 per year
Pay: $120,000.00 - $150,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Paid time off
Application Question(s):
- If offered employment, are you willing to undergo a background check that is conducted in accordance with applicable law?
- Will you require visa sponsorship now or in the future?
Experience:
- Recent Mechanical Engineering: 7 years (Required)
Ability to Commute:
- Santa Ana, CA 92705 (Required)
Work Location: In person
