Senior Mechanical Engineer

We’re seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with the Hardware team to lead the integration of complex mechanical systems across on next‑generation vehicle platforms. This role is primarily focused on new architecture and core technology development and sits at the intersection of mechanical design and autonomous vehicle systems integration.

You’ll bring deep mechanical engineering expertise and a pragmatic integration mindset, working closely with Electrical, Software, Manufacturing, Test, and Operations teams to ensure mechanical subsystems come together cleanly at the vehicle level. You’ll also provide technical leadership and mentorship, helping shape both the systems and the engineers who build them.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead mechanical design and systems integration across multiple vehicle platforms, from early architecture through prototype builds and deployment.
• Working closely with sensing and autonomy teams to deliver mounting and closures meeting advanced autonomy requirements.
• Own mechanical integration strategy, including interfaces, tolerances, packaging, serviceability, and assembly sequence.
• Drive cross‑functional alignment between Mechanical Design, Electrical, Software, Manufacturing, Test, and Operations to resolve integration risks early.
• Mentor and guide engineers, fostering strong ownership, systems thinking, and a collaborative team culture.

In order to set you up for success as a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Wayve, we’re looking for the following skills and experience.  

Essential 

• 10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering or vehicle integration, with demonstrated ownership of complex assemblies.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Deep understanding of mechanical fundamentals: structures, mechanisms, materials, tolerancing, fasteners, thermal effects, and vibration.
• Familiarity with CAD and PLM tools (e.g., CATIA, NX, SolidWorks, Enovia, Arena).
• Proven experience leading or acting as the technical authority for mechanical system integration on multi‑disciplinary programs.
• Strong systems-oriented mindset with the ability to decompose complex problems and manage interfaces across a multitude of stakeholders.
• Hands-on experience supporting prototype builds, vehicle assembly, and test activities.

Desirable 

• Experience with autonomous vehicles, robotics, aerospace, or other high‑complexity electromechanical systems.
• Experience defining mechanical architectures, packaging studies, and interface ownership at the system level.
• Ability to collaborate with OEM partners, suppliers, and contract manufacturers on mechanical components, assemblies, and integration strategies.
• Clear, confident communication skills and ability to drive alignment in fast‑moving, ambiguous environments.
• Experience supporting environmental, durability, or reliability testing.

This is a full-time role based in our office in Sunnyvale, CA.  At Wayve we want the best of all worlds so we operate a hybrid working policy that combines time together in our offices and workshops to fuel innovation, culture, relationships and learning, and time spent working from home.   We operate core working hours so you can determine the schedule that works best for you and your team.