Sr. Mechanical Engineer / Project Manager

Role overview

Acorn Product Development is hiring a senior mechanical engineer who can also take on project management duties. In this leadership role, you will help steer a team of engineers in building innovative, high-end products. The work calls for a strong background in mechanical design, especially in robotics and automation.

Acorn brings 31 years of experience in product development consulting and works with clients that include fast-moving startups as well as Fortune 100 and Fortune 500 companies. The company develops advanced technologies and cutting-edge designs across robotics, medical and life science devices, and consumer products, with offices in Silicon Valley, Denver, Boston, and China.

The company emphasizes professional growth, collaboration, and recognition for contributions. It also states that it supports a diverse workforce.

This role is based in Newark, CA and is onsite, with the option to work remotely two days each week.

Requirements

• A BSME is required; an MSME is preferred.
• At least 8 years of experience in technical, system-level design, covering everything from architecture definition through design, release, and manufacturing.
• Prior project management experience leading cross-functional teams.
• Strong mechatronics knowledge, including motors, bearings, gear trains, belt drives, and sensors.
• Hands-on experience with motion control hardware such as steppers, servos, DC motors, encoders, and limit switches.
• End-effector design experience is considered an advantage.
• Experience taking multiple projects from design through fabrication and testing.
• Background in automation for industrial settings and production lines.
• Practical system bring-up and integration experience with cross-functional teams.
• Mechanical engineering analysis skills in kinematics, structures, thermal behavior, and tolerances.
• Ability to select appropriate materials and components.
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks CAD and FEA.
• Experience with life science instruments or medical device design is a plus.
• Client-facing experience is an added advantage.
• Comfort with hands-on shop and lab work.
• Understanding of design for manufacturability in both high-volume and low-volume production.
• Ability to prepare project and technical reports.
• Working knowledge of ISO 13485 is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead a mechanical engineering team developing products with multiple powered degrees of freedom.
• Design, build, and test systems as well as key components.
• Generate, evaluate, and compare product architecture options based on client requirements and performance metrics.
• Carry out important engineering analyses and testing from early concept review through production validation.
• Work with clients to define product specifications, timelines, and resource needs.
• Own project budget, schedule, and deliverables as the main client contact, while coordinating with engineers across multiple offices.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Paid time off.
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance and disability benefits.
• 401(k) plan.
• Health care spending accounts.
• Quarterly and annual company events.
• Additional company perks and benefits.

About the company

Acorn Product Development has been active for 31 years as a product development consulting firm, partnering with a wide range of clients from early-stage companies to large global enterprises. The company focuses its engineering work on robotics, medical and life science devices, and consumer products.