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