Concept Mechanical Design Engineer

San Francisco Onsite, California
Title: Concept Mechanical Design Engineer 
Contract Duration:  February 28, 2026
Contract Type: W2 under Staffing Supplier
Pay Rate: $110-114/hour
Start Date: October 20, 2025
Location: San Francisco, CA HQ (On-site; Fingerprinting and NDA required)
Visa Sponsorship: Not provided
Executive Summary
A leading innovation team is seeking a Concept Mechanical Design Engineer to join a hands-on, high-impact environment focused on prototyping and validating early-stage mechanical systems for automation technology. The ideal candidate is a creative engineer with deep mechanical expertise, a passion for building and iterating, and comfort working collaboratively across engineering disciplines to develop concepts that inform future large-scale solutions.
Key Responsibilities
  • Invent, prototype, and test mechanical systems, structures, and mechanisms—using CAD modeling, documentation, and shop-floor builds
  • Determine technical viability of concepts quickly, staying aligned with business and operational constraints
  • Collaborate closely with electrical, software, and systems engineers for integration and successful prototyping
  • Produce detailed prototypes, simulations, proof-of-concept builds, and provide input for major architectural and product decisions
  • Apply FEA tools to inform and validate mechanical designs
  • Translate concepts into scalable solutions that demonstrate readiness for downstream production teams
Skills & Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (or related field)
  • 5+ years of hands-on mechanical engineering experience (robotics, aerospace, automotive, or safety-critical, high-volume manufacturing a strong plus)
  • Proficiency with CAD (SolidWorks, NX, or equivalent) and drawing standards (including GD&T)
  • Deep knowledge of materials, fasteners, tolerancing, and fundamental mechanical/thermal considerations
  • Skilled in the use of FEA tools (ANSYS, Abaqus, SolidWorks Simulation) and applying analysis to real designs
  • Proven ability to build and work in shop environments
  • Experience with product development from concept to production in fast-paced, high-ownership settings
  • Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience shipping hardware at scale in safety-critical applications
  • Personal portfolio of engineering projects or prototypes
  • Demonstrated passion for craftsmanship and innovation
  • Thrives in high-integrity and impact-driven environments