Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Lidar Test Systems
Aeva
Design
Mountain View, CA, USA
Posted on Oct 17, 2025
About us:
Aeva’s mission is to bring the next wave of perception to a broad range of applications from automated driving to industrial robotics, consumer electronics, consumer health, security, and beyond. Aeva is transforming autonomy with its groundbreaking sensing and perception technology that integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D LiDAR sensors uniquely detect instant velocity in addition to 3D position, allowing autonomous devices like vehicles and robots to make more intelligent and safe decisions.
Role Overview:
We are looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer to contribute to the mechanical design of our test and qualification systems.
What you'll be doing:
- Design Test Infrastructure: Design and develop fixtures for testing photonics, optical modules, electromechanical assemblies, PCBAs, and end-of-line systems.
- Lead System Deployment: Manage equipment bring-up, vendor relations, and installation at Contract Manufacturers (CMs).
- Collaborate on Product Design: Partner with design and manufacturing teams to provide Design for Test (DfT) feedback and create novel tests for performance, calibration, and reliability.
- Manage External Partnerships: Interface with ATE vendors, OSATs, and CMs for DFT/DFM feedback, quoting, and procurement.
- Maintain Technical Records: Prepare and maintain BOMs and detailed design documentation.
What you'll have:
- Experience: 3+ years in the detailed design and validation of mechanical assemblies. The ideal candidate has experience bringing projects from requirements through detailed design, assembly, testing and deployment.
- Tolerance Analysis: Proficiency with various tolerance analysis methods, including RSS and Monte-Carlo.
- DFx Expertise: Strong knowledge of Design for Test (DFT) and Design for Manufacturing (DFM) for photonics, Lidar/Camera systems, and PCBAs.
- Test & Thermal Management: Experience with test engineering, instrumentation, and managing thermal systems for photonics components (e.g., die scale circuits, laser arrays).
- Software & Processes: Proficient in SolidWorks 3D modeling of complex assemblies and 2D drawings for part fabrication. Understanding of manufacturing processes for metal and plastic (CNC machining, sheet metal, die-casting, injection molding). Experience applying ASME Y14.5 Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) best practices.
- Attitude: Hands-on engineer with a drive to learn and innovate. Self-starter with demonstration of owning multiple projects in parallel.
Nice to Have:
- Specialized Test Knowledge: Experience with Lidar test systems, calibration infrastructure, and custom test fixtures/load boards for photonics and semiconductor ATE platforms.
- Instrumentation Skills:Hands-on experience with key instruments: tunable lasers, detectors, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, RF tools, and ATE platforms.
- Experience:Comfortable with geometric optics and motion system design, including pneumatics and motorized actuator selection.
What's in it for you:
- Be part of an early start-up that's backed by industry-leading venture capitalists
- Very competitive compensation and meaningful equity!
- Exceptional benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, and more!
- 401k matching
- Unlimited PTO: We care about results, not punching timecards
- Paid lunches, ping pong tournaments, and fun team off-sites!