Mechanical Engineer I, Prototype & Vehicle Systems

Motive Companies
  • Cerritos, CA
  • $45 Per Hour
7 days ago

Job Description

Motive Workforce is seeking an entry-level Mechanical Engineer to support prototype development and vehicle integration for locomotive electrification programs. This hands-on position connects mechanical design with prototype fabrication, testing, and shop-floor execution.

Responsibilities

  • Design and revise mechanical layouts for cooling systems, radiators, fans, ducting, structural mounts, brackets, and auxiliary enclosures
  • Build, instrument, and test prototype hardware
  • Support bench testing and vehicle-level integration
  • Create and maintain CAD models and engineering drawings using SolidWorks, Creo, or NX
  • Perform fit checks, tolerance stack-ups, and GD&T reviews
  • Coordinate DFM and DFA reviews with fabrication and machine shop vendors
  • Investigate prototype and field failures, then support design corrections
  • Coordinate with electrical and controls engineers on high-voltage component packaging, harness routing, and thermal clearances
  • Support rapid design iterations based on test results and project requirements


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Automotive Engineering, or a related discipline
  • Zero to two years of relevant engineering experience
  • Proficiency with SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or a comparable CAD platform
  • Working knowledge of mechanical drawings, tolerances, and GD&T
  • Familiarity with thermal management and basic structural analysis
  • Comfortable working in both engineering and shop environments
  • Able to support hands-on prototype assembly, instrumentation, and testing
  • Strong communication and cross-functional coordination skills

Preferred Experience

  • Automotive, motorsport, rail, or vehicle-integration experience
  • Exposure to high-voltage or electric vehicle systems
  • FEA experience
  • GD&T certification or formal training
  • Experience with 3D printing, sheet metal, machining, fixtures, or rapid prototyping

This position will begin as a project-based contract and may convert to direct employment based on project demand, performance, and business needs. Candidates who can start immediately are encouraged to apply.

Pay Rate: $45.00 per hour
Employment Type: Project-Based Contract, Potential Contract-to-Hire
Start Date: ASAP 

Numbers & Facts

LocationCerritos, CA

Skills

  • 3D Printingunmatched
  • Analysis Skillsunmatched
  • Automotive Engineeringunmatched
  • CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing)unmatched
  • Communication Skillsunmatched
  • Control Engineeringunmatched
  • Cross-Functionalunmatched
  • Electrical Engineeringunmatched
  • Engineeringunmatched
  • Engineering Drawingunmatched
  • Finite Element Analysisunmatched
  • Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancingunmatched
  • Hardware Quality Assuranceunmatched
  • High Voltage (HV)unmatched
  • Instrumentationunmatched
  • Machiningunmatched
  • Mechanical Designunmatched
  • Mechanical Engineeringunmatched
  • Organizational Skillsunmatched
  • PTC Creounmatched
  • Prototypingunmatched
  • Rapid Prototypingunmatched
  • SolidWorksunmatched
  • Test Benchunmatched
  • Testingunmatched
  • Thermal Managementunmatched

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