Mechanical Design Engineer

JOB SUMMARY

Model/Z seeks an experienced Mechanical Design Engineer responsible for product development and design of manufacturable 3D CAD models, prototyping solutions, management of large assemblies, and tooling fixtures in partnership with manufacturing, quality, operations, and supply chain teams. The Mechanical Design Engineer will create innovative design solutions and carry them through design engineering standard operating procedures that include initial design proposals, design review meetings, PDM/PLM management, Engineering Change Orders, Bill of Materials, and Configuration Management, and live Production Line Testing and Implementation, with the overall goal of reducing the cost of housing in California.

SALARY: $80K-$120K

LOCATION: 740 E. 111th Place, Los Angeles, CA 90059 Watts

SCHEDULE: 9-10 Hour Workdays, 4 days a week (Monday - Thursday), with occasional remote. Friday meetings if needed. 3 - 4 days per week in person. The schedule is subject to change to an 8-hour, 5-day workweek in the future.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

Model/Z is a trailblazing enterprise focused on reinventing multifamily housing through the development of standardized, modular units. Our mission is to provide high-quality, low-cost, and net-zero-ready housing solutions that are both scalable and practical, aiming to significantly mitigate homelessness and enhance living conditions for underrepresented communities. As a majority Black-owned and operated business based in Southern California, Model/Z is poised to establish the first standardized modular housing factory in the region.

Located in the historic Watts neighborhood of South Los Angeles, Model/Z is committed to revitalizing communities by employing local community members and paying living wages. Our innovative approach revolutionizes construction, transforming a traditional linear process into a parallel manufacturing system that allows us to build high-quality apartment homes in a factory before the concrete is even poured on-site. By empowering Black and Brown families and institutions and unlocking the value of underutilized land, Model/Z embodies a model of equitable growth, addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in Southern California and beyond.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Evaluating potential solutions for product and process inefficiencies with technical analysis + prototyping, and validating economic feasibility through business principles with management.
• Designing and managing large assembly models, overseeing configuration management, and document control in accordance with ASME standards.
• Implementing design-built improvements and carrying change implementations through Engineering Change Order Processes on a live production line.
• Managing internal PDM/PLM systems and external fabrication drawing libraries for manufacturers/suppliers.
• Operating cross-functionally with manufacturing, quality, and industrial systems teams for cohesive engineering execution.
• Maintaining Bill of Materials (EBOM, MBOM, PBOM) and alignment with ERP systems.
• Working alongside Supply Chain with contracted manufacturers/suppliers
• Coordinating design solutions with various Architectural, Structural, MEP, Inspection Teams, and following through with submittals to city and state government agencies.
• Undergoing Root Cause Analysis to evaluate current production process and design features to identify possible pain points.
• Applying industry-standard Automotive and Aerospace Manufacturing principles to an antiquated construction industry.
• Writing technical Standard Operation Procedures and Manuals to aid Quality and Process Engineering.
• Designing and building fixtures and jigs for the production line.
• Solving difficult technical problems to optimize for our ultimate goal of reducing the cost of housing in Southern California.
• Complete other tasks and projects as assigned

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Minimum 3+ years' Mechanical Engineering industry experience required
• Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering required (Master's preferred)
• Strong mechanical engineering fundamentals
• Advanced fabrication experience (CNC machining, welding, precision assembly)
• Knowledge of rapid prototyping methods, lean manufacturing principles, and testing + validation procedures
• Experienced with CAD/PDM/PLM Systems, Product Development Process, and Project Management
• Proficient in 3D mechanical design, analysis, and drafting tools (Autodesk Investor, NX, CATIA, SolidWorks, ANSYS, etc.)

SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills; exellent follow through
• Ability to work independently and effectively in a fast-paced, demanding environment
• Ability to collaborate with others and utilize knowledge and resources to identify quality solutions
• Well-developed time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• Highly organized, resourceful, proactive, creative, detail-oriented, and critical thinking skills required; willingness and ability to learn quickly and on-the-fly
• Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgement
• Ability to present information in a concise and easily understood manner

Benefits

Model/Z offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes paid vacation, medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as pet insurance, sick leave, 10 paid holidays, and bereavement days. This package is designed to provide employees with a range of important benefits that help to support their physical and emotional well-being, while also providing financial protection and peace of mind.

At Model/Z, we believe work environment, culture, and the opportunity to learn and grow are key elements when considering a new job. We are just the right size to provide the resources and support you need without the bureaucracy of a large corporate environment. We foster a family-friendly and supportive workplace, collaborative and employee-focused with an emphasis on quality, integrity, trust, and accountability. We are looking to bring someone on board as soon as possible. We provide a rewarding and challenging environment. We expect a lot, but give a lot in return. Strongly prefer candidates local to Los Angeles as no relocation assistance will be provided. All qualified candidates will be contacted directly.