Sr DRE, Electrical Systems Packaging

Aptera Motors

is dedicated to building a future where every journey is powered by the sun. We specialize in creating solar electric vehicles that revolutionize the way we travel, providing sustainable and efficient transportation solutions.

Company Culture

is built on transparency, ethical treatment of one another, a bias for action, and leading by example.

Sr Design Release Engineer, Electrical Systems Packaging

Carlsbad, California | Engineering | Full-time

About the role

Aptera is looking for a Senior Design Release Engineer to own the CAD design, mechanical release, and lifecycle of electrical modules on our solar electric vehicle. You'll package PCBs into enclosures, own enclosure design and tooling, and drive your parts from concept through SOP in CATIA - jumping in hands-on wherever needed in our fast-paced start-up environment.

What you'll do

• Serve as technical lead and single point of accountability for the mechanical/CAD execution of assigned modules, from concept through SOP
• Package PCBs into enclosures - connector layouts, stack-ups, thermal management, and sealing
• Own enclosure design and tooling strategy across injection molding, die casting, sheet metal, and machining
• Create and manage CATIA models and drawings, own the Engineering BOM, and lead ECR/ECO change management
• Support hands-on prototype and pilot builds - bench work, mock-ups, and in-vehicle installations
• Partner with the Electrical Engineering team on harness and EMC integration

Qualifications

• Required: deep, hands-on CATIA (V5/V6, 3DEXPERIENCE) and GD&T expertise
• Proven ownership of BOMs and ECOs in PLM systems
• Experience with PCB packaging, OTS component integration, and enclosure design
• Strong cross-functional leadership with a hands-on, start-up mindset

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with ENOVIA/3DX
• Familiarity with APQP/PPAP, DV/PV testing, and automotive environmental standards
• Supplier tooling oversight and rapid-iteration prototyping experience
• Start-up experience

Team Structure

• Individual contributor; collaborate with other teams and individuals, as necessary

Required Experience

• 7+ years in DRE/Product Engineering in automotive or adjacent industries

Educational Requirements

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field

Salary + Benefits

• Market competitive compensation package
• Stock option grants
• Fully funded benefits package for employee + dependents
• Generous Flexible Time Away policy