The Role:
As an Mechanical Engineer, you will support the design, architecture, and implementation of high performance electro-mechanical systems across a diverse range of projects. You will work alongside a collaborative team of engineers to find and develop the right solutions for the problems at hand and client use case. If you’re passionate about tackling mission-critical challenges and working across multiple industries, this is your chance to make a lasting impact and grow in a dynamic environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the design, architecture, and development of mechanical and electromechanical systems
- Own the design, development, prototyping, and testing of mechanical and electromechanical subsystems and components, ensuring they meet all performance, quality, and safety standards.
- Work closely with internal engineering teams and external customers to build solutions across multiple industries (aerospace, renewable energy, medical devices, etc.)
- Perform complex mechanical assessments (Structural, Thermal, Manufacturability, etc.), design and model complex integrated 3D assemblies, and produce robust component and assembly documentation
- Assess design risks and develop mitigation strategies
Minimum Requirements:
- Able to work 40 hours a week on-site in El Segundo, California
- Eligible to work on ITAR projects
- Bachelor's Degree (Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Math, or related field) or equivalent experience
- Experience (internships and clubs count!) working with electro-mechanical systems, examples including avionics, motor-driven mechanisms, robotics, consumer electronics, etc.
- Strong design and spatial reasoning skills, proficiency in CAD software (OnShape, Solidworks, or similar), and general understanding of GD&T frameworks,
- Proven ability to communicate cross functionally and explain engineering concepts to a nontechnical audience or clients professionally
- Strong problem-solving skills and initiative to drive technical execution, optimize designs, and deliver robust, scalable solutions in a fast-paced environment
- Comfort with working on ambiguous problems with a moving target, being able to communicate the story of how a project went from initial concept to the final design
Preferred Requirements:
- Experience in team-based design and build projects (e.g., Formula SAE, Solar Car, CubeSat, Rover Challenge, etc.)
- Exposure across multiple manufacturing processes such as machining, injection molding, and 3D printing.
- Proven ability to lead team-based design and project management, working across disciplines to drive technical execution.
- Strong analytical skills in back-of-the-envelope calculations, FEA, and CAD modeling for design validation.
- Ability to assess and estimate system response to environmental factors
- Experience with structural and thermal testing of electro-mechanical assemblies
Compensation & Benefits:
- Salary range dependent on leveling
- Mechanical Engineer I: $89,000 - $120,000
- Mechanical Engineer II: $115,000 - $161,000
- Equity (via ISOs) in Second Order Effects, Inc.
- Equity (via PIUs) in our incubated companies (through our holding company, Second Order Holdings, LLC)
- 100% employer-paid health insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision) for employees + 50% dependent coverage
- Flexible paid time off policy + 11 paid holidays + 12 paid sick days
- 401(k) retirement account and employer matching (Safe Harbor 4%)
- Up to 22 weeks of paid parental leave dedicated to new child bonding
- Relocation assistance available if 50+ miles away from the office
- Electric Vehicle (EV) charging ports at our LAX office
- Daily catered lunches, snacks, and accessible kitchen