Job Description

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join our team and drive the end-to-end development of innovative ConnectDER products. In this role, you will apply sound engineering principles and system-level awareness to break down complex requirements, develop robust technical solutions, and collaborate cross-functionally across the organization to bring products from initial concept to manufacturing hand-off.

Duties include:

• End-to-End Product Design & Ownership:
• Drive medium-sized mechanical designs autonomously from initial concept through manufacturing hand-off and product sustaining.
• Distill complex product requirements into detailed technical specifications, interface requirements, and design concepts.
• Create 3D CAD models, tolerance analyses, detailed part/assembly drawings, and Bills of Material (BOMs), balancing trade-offs between performance, manufacturability, technical debt, and speed.
• Break down complex engineering scope into manageable tasks, track progress against estimates, and anticipate roadblocks to keep development timelines on schedule.

• Testing, Verification, and Risk Mitigation:
• Own early-stage product testing by developing test procedures, evaluating system capabilities, and anticipating potential design edge cases.
• Collect, analyze, and summarize data into clear test reports. Use findings to refine designs and mitigate technical risks early in the development cycle.
• Debug design and manufacturing issues proactively.
• Prototyping & Fabrication:
• Fabricate, 3D print, and modify components to build prototype units.
• Build prototype and sample units for use in product evaluation, certification, utility and customer approval, and marketing/tradeshow models.
• Cross Functional Engagement
• Present technical decisions, trade-offs, and risks clearly during design reviews and cross-functional planning sessions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners (PMO, QA, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain) to align on implementation details, supplier selection, and resourcing.
• Serve as a technical role model and provide guidance to junior team members to help elevate the engineering team’s overall capabilities.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Location, Hours, and Travel
This is a full-time (~40 hours per week) position is based at our Headquarters in Philadelphia, PA and follows an Office-First Hybrid work style requiring at least 3 days per week in-office, with a strong preference for 5 days on-site, and requires 5% travel.

Compensation Range
$105,000 - $115,000 + bonus + equity

What to Expect in Your First 90 Days
We believe in setting our team members up for success with clear milestones and support from day one.

First 30 Days – Learn & Integrate

• Get oriented with ConnectDER’s mission, products, systems, and key stakeholders.
• Begin contributing to ongoing team discussions, tools, and project planning.

By 60 Days – Contribute & Collaborate

• Take ownership of key responsibilities and execute engineering tasks independently.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to streamline processes and establish upcoming 90-day goals.

By 90 Days – Lead & Make an Impact

• Independently reduce core design work to practice aligned with product and program goals.
• Transition initial designs to manufacturing and build strong relationships across engineering teams.

What We’re Looking For

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, with technical skills typically gained with at least 3-5 years of direct relevant experience.
• Proven capability in 3D CAD modeling (Solidworks preferred), tolerance analysis, and Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
• Hands-on experience in product design, including specific expertise in plastic part design as a non-negotiable competency.
• Hands-on experience in rapid prototyping (3D printing, machining, sheet metal, fabrication) and testing.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• Experience designing injection molded parts.
• Direct experience navigating the NRTL certification process (UL, Intertek, etc.).
• Background in the electrical utility, ANSI metering, or renewable energy grid integration industries.

Work Environment/Physical Demands: Must have the ability to work on a computer for extended periods of time with or without accommodation.