Sr. Mechanical Test Engineer (Motors)

ABOUT ZIPLINE

Do you want to change the world? Zipline is on a mission to transform the way goods move. Our aim is to solve the world’s most urgent and complex access challenges by building, manufacturing and operating the first instant delivery and logistics system that serves all humans equally, wherever they are. From powering Rwanda’s national blood delivery network and Ghana’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution, to providing on-demand home delivery for Walmart, to enabling healthcare providers to bring care directly to U.S. homes, we are transforming the way things move for businesses, governments and consumers.

The technology is complex but the idea is simple: a teleportation service that delivers what you need, when you need it. Through our technology that includes robotics and autonomy, we are decarbonizing delivery, decreasing road congestion, and reducing fossil fuel consumption and air pollution, while providing equitable access to billions of people and building a more resilient global supply chain.

Join Zipline and help us to make good on our promise to build an equitable and more resilient global supply chain for billions of people.

ABOUT YOU AND THE ROLE

The Powertrain team is a multi-disciplinary hardware and software team responsible for designing the electric drivetrain at the heart of our life-saving drone delivery service, operating in some of the harshest environments on earth.

As a Senior Mechanical Test Engineer, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that our drone systems are reliable and safe for use in real-world conditions. You will work closely with our design and development teams to design and execute tests, analyze data, and make recommendations for improvements to our high performance motors and their systems.

If you're a self-starter with a strong background in motor testing and analysis of complex electromechanical systems, and you want to be a part of a team that is making a real difference in the world, then we want to hear from you.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Design, build and execute test cases and test plans to evaluate the performance, reliability and safety of Zipline’s drivetrain, with a focus on propulsion and non-propulsion motors.
• Analyze data from tests to identify and troubleshoot issues, field-failures, and opportunities for efficiency and durability.
• Test concepts and improvements staying one step ahead of design progress to guide future development of high-performance propulsion systems.
• Use a range of techniques including electromagnetic analysis, modal analysis, lifetime fatigue estimation, field data analysis, and other sources of test data and analysis to predict and optimize for drivetrain performance and efficiency.
• Develop and maintain test fixtures and equipment for testing electromechanical components.
• Manage test schedules and report on progress to project teams and management.
• Lead and mentor other engineers, technicians and interns in the team.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING

• Minimum 5 years of experience in mechanical design or test engineering involving electric motors or other electromechanical equipment.
• Strong engineering fundamentals in the areas of testing and electric motors.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to explain technical challenges and solutions to fellow engineers and non-engineers alike.
• Experience in using industrial test automation and data logging equipment (NI cDAQ) and associated sensor selection.
• Experience with programming languages such as Python.
• Deep experience with environmental and durability testing.
• Experience creating and maintaining test infrastructure
• Must be eligible to work in the US
• Must be able to work in person at Zipline’s South San Francisco Headquarters

WHAT ELSE YOU NEED TO KNOW

The starting cash range for this role is $130,000 - $165,000. Please note that this is a target, starting cash range for a candidate who meets the minimum qualifications for this role. The final cash pay for this role will depend on a variety of factors, including a specific candidate's experience, qualifications, skills, working location, and projected impact. The total compensation package for this role may also include: equity compensation; discretionary annual or performance bonuses; sales incentives; benefits such as medical, dental and vision insurance; paid time off; and more.

Zipline is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, mental or physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, military or veteran status, citizenship, or other characteristics protected by state, federal or local law or our other policies.

We value diversity at Zipline and welcome applications from those who are traditionally underrepresented in tech. If you like the sound of this position but are not sure if you are the perfect fit, please apply!