
Mechanical Design Engineer III
- On-site
- Scotts Valley, California, United States
- $100,000 - $160,000 per year
Job description
Join the Revolution at Zero Motorcycles!
There’s the cushy comfort of the mundane; then, there’s the thrill of pioneering work. Being here is the latter.
It started with our first Zero S, shipped in 2010 – a bold step into the future of electric mobility. Since then, we’ve been at the forefront of the electric vehicle movement, delivering awardwinning motorcycles and electrifying sport and utility vehicles for leading OEMs. With cuttingedge technology and relentless craftsmanship, we push the boundaries of performance and sustainability, making every ride more thrilling and the world a little more sustainable. We’ve only scratched surface. Join us in leading the revolution of electric mobility. Mechanical Design Engineer III
Position Summary:
The Mechanical Design Engineer supports component and subsystem design and integration for Zero Motorcycles. The role focuses on co-development with external partners, and clear communication of engineering requirements. Works cross functionally under guidance from senior engineers to ensure designs meet performance, cost, timing and regulatory needs.
Job requirements
What You Will Do:
• Collaborate with external partners on co-design activities; communicate design intent, requirements, and integration constraints.
• Contribute to CAD design of parts and subassemblies; maintain vehicle-level assemblies.
• Support design reviews with partners and internal teams; document actions and design updates.
• Prepare and maintain engineering documentation including drawings, BOMs, CRs, and part metadata.
• Assist with cross-functional issue resolution for manufacturing, testing, and service.
• Participates in root-cause analysis of test and field discoveries and implement design improvements.
• Provide schedule input for assigned tasks and track deliverables through Jira, on-time delivery of work outputs.
• Support preparation of design materials for regulatory, manufacturing, and service.
What You Will Bring:
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering or similar. • 4–6+ years’ experience.
• Proficient in SolidWorks or similar CAD; modeling, assemblies and drawings.
• Working knowledge of common motorcycle part manufacturing processes.
• Familiarity with GD&T, tolerance stack analysis.
• Experience with BOMs and engineering change management processes.
• Collaborative partner-facing communication.
• Strong ownership and follow-through.
• Organized, detail-oriented documentation habits.
• Hands-on mechanical aptitude. • Exceptional communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally.
Preferred Qualifications
• Motorcycle- or automotive-specific development experience.
• Exposure to electric powertrains.
• Styled or consumer product component development.
• Hose/ wire routing experience.
• A variety of motorcycle riding experience.
US Work Authorization: Selected candidate must be authorized to work for any US company, without current or future need of sponsorship for US work authorization. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship for any work visa.
Location
This position is located in our Scotts Valley office — just a short drive from Santa Cruz beaches, and Silicon Valley. Selected candidate will start onsite full-time, and hybrid work arrangements are available once fully onboarded and integrated into the role. Travel Frequency: Travel for this role will be 10-15%, including domestic and international travel.
Physical Requirements
• Ability to communicate in real-time with internal and external partners
• Ability to navigate a lab environment
• Ability to lift X pounds
• Ability to work for extended periods in face-to-face meetings, or on computers
We believe diversity is our strength, and inclusion is our foundation. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building a workplace where everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or background—can thrive. We celebrate individuality, amplify diverse voices, and strive to foster an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to do their best work. Together, we’re shaping a future that works for all.
The estimated salary range for a new hire in this position is $110,000 - 160,000. Actual salary may vary depending on job-related factors, which may include candidate's knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to regular salary, Zero offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) matching plan.
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