Director of Mechanical Engineering at Rideonewheel

We are looking for a visionary Director of Mechanical Engineering to join our team in Santa Cruz, California. Our company is currently revolutionizing the world of boardsports and personal transportation through the development of innovative light electric vehicles. We operate in a fast-paced, creative start-up environment, and we need a hands-on leader who is ready to guide our interdisciplinary team as we bring groundbreaking products to market. If you are passionate about engineering and want to work just a short walk from the beach, we would love to meet you.

Key outcomes

• Oversee the full product lifecycle for our light electric vehicles, moving from initial concept through detailed design, prototyping, and new product introduction.
• Manage and optimize existing mechanical and electromechanical systems through rigorous testing and iteration.
• Coordinate with domestic and international vendors to handle component sourcing, manufacturing quotes, and quality assurance.
• Collaborate closely with our electrical engineering team to ensure the seamless integration of wire harnesses, connectors, and PCBAs.
• Maintain high standards for documentation by preparing comprehensive drawing packages for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Direct team resources and task allocation to ensure all projects meet their deadlines.
• Mentor, hire, and develop our mechanical engineering staff to foster a culture of high performance and professional growth.

Requirements

• A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Between 7 and 15 years of professional experience in the field.
• Proven experience managing mechanical engineering teams ranging from 2 to 20 people.
• Advanced proficiency in Solidworks for CAD design.
• Practical experience in a machine shop environment and hands-on prototyping.
• Strong background in design for manufacturing, including familiarity with CNC machining, die-casting, and injection molding.
• Experience with quality control and first article inspection processes using CMM and standard measuring tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.

Preferred qualifications

• A background in electromechanical systems, such as mechatronics or electric vehicle development.
• Prior experience working within the outdoor industry, including work on skateboards, snowboards, or bicycles.
• A demonstrated track record of successfully launching products into the market.

How to apply

If you are a creative leader with a history of solving complex engineering challenges, we invite you to apply. Please submit your application to be considered for this role, and we look forward to reviewing your experience and discussing how your vision can help us continue to innovate.