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Mechanical Engineer - Alignment

Company Overview


Mainspring Energy is revolutionizing power generation with the world’s most flexible and adaptable onsite power generator, the Mainspring Linear Generator. Commercial, industrial, and utility leaders are choosing Mainspring over traditional options like engines, turbines, and fuel cells to quickly and reliably deliver local power for EV charging, commercial facilities, data centers, and grid-scale operations. The Mainspring Linear Generator is fuel flexible, ramps up and down to meet demand, and utilizes a flameless technology with near-zero NOx emissions.


Backed by top-tier investors such as Khosla Ventures, Bill Gates, American Electric Power, and Lightrock, Mainspring designs, manufactures and delivers its products to customers across the U.S. today, and we’re quickly scaling for international expansion.


Inspired by our vision of the affordable, reliable, net-zero carbon grid, Mainspring is rapidly expanding within the $816B global electricity equipment market, and we’re hiring the best talent to meet growing customer demand around the globe. We welcome a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and talents to bring fresh perspectives and ongoing innovation to our customers.


We are looking to build relationships with people who share our values:


Pragmatic Optimism. Building a new category of world-class power generation requires the optimism of ambition and creativity, balanced with practicality to solve problems efficiently. The challenges that arise are opportunities for growth.


Excellence without Ego. We bring expertise and commitment to creating the best customer experience, from sales to deployment and service, just as we apply deep technical rigor to building and delivering world-class products. We strive for excellence and behave as leaders with the humility to acknowledge our challenges, both collectively and as individual contributors.


Proactive Collaboration. The integration and cross-disciplinary nature of Mainspring’s business requires intentionally seeking out others who bring different skills, perspectives, and priorities. Our culture of inclusion and respect extends beyond our team to interactions with our partners and customers.


More information can be found at www.mainspringenergy.com


Job Overview


Mainspring Energy is seeking a talented Mechanical Engineer to join the team responsible for the alignment of critical components for our innovative Linear Generator technology. This challenging role requires creativity and a broad range of skills to make a significant impact on our clean energy solution for a part that is critical to the success of the company.


Responsibilities
  • Design and development that align and maintain alignment of major components, including design, 3D CAD modeling (Solidworks), engineering analysis (FEA tools like ANSYS), testing, root cause investigation and comprehensive documentation
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with Electrical Engineering, Controls, Manufacturing, and Suppliers to ensure seamless subsystem integration, performance, and efficient product introduction (DFM/DFA, work instructions, tooling/fixtures).
  • Plan and execute rigorous verification and validation testing to ensure designs meet functional, durability, safety, and reliability requirements.
  • Provide technical guidance to technicians, and contribute to the continuous improvement of engineering processes, tools, standards, and best practices
  • Stay current on mechanical engineering advancements relevant to power generation, identifying opportunities to reduce costs, improve performance, and enhance reliability as Mainspring scales its technology
  • Uphold and further Mainspring's mission to create clean, affordable, and reliable power generators that accelerate the world's transition to a sustainable energy future


Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar field
  • 3+ years as a professional mechanical design engineer
  • Delivered products through 1+ full design lifecycles from concept to manufacturing support, preferably in industrial equipment, power generation, or electromechanical machines
  • Self-starter with a proven ability to deliver functional designs in a rapid development environment and a track record of innovation and continuous improvement


Technical Skills
  • Proficiency in 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks preferred), engineering drawing creation (GD&T), and tolerance stack analysis. Experience with PDM or similar CAD version control systems.
  • Knowledge of mechanical design principles, materials, and manufacturing processes (sheet metal, welding, casting). Ability to identify and resolve design-for-manufacturability issues.
  • Hands-on experience with mechanical prototyping, assembly, and testing. Familiarity with FEA, CFD, and thermal analysis tools.
  • Expertise in bolted joints, thermal impacts on structures, and design for severe vibration environments is a plus.


Soft Skills
  • Excellent problem-solving, creative thinking, communication, and collaboration skills for effective cross-functional teamwork
  • Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
  • Passion for clean energy and commitment to creating a more sustainable world


$115,000 - $123,000 a year
This position is onsite at our Menlo Park HQ. The salary will be adjusted to reflect local market conditions based on employee location as well as the experience of the employee. Along with the base salary, Mainspring offers pre-IPO stock options + benefits.

Does your experience not meet all of our posted requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to positions unless they meet every listed requirement. At Mainspring, we are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, flexible, and collaborative environment, so if you want to help us transition the world to clean and affordable electricity, and don’t meet all posted requirements for a particular role, we’d still love to hear from you. Mainspring can sometimes be flexible enough to shift responsibilities for the right person, or otherwise identify open or upcoming roles that may better fit your professional background.


In more traditional words, Mainspring Energy, Inc is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.


This compensation and benefits information is based on Mainspring Energy's estimate as of the date of publication and may be modified in the future. We generally do not negotiate on salary once we have made an offer. The level of pay within the range will depend on a variety of job-related factors that may include location, relevant prior experience and/or education, or particular skills and expertise. New hires joining the company tend to be paid within the starting base pay range noted above, with opportunities to increase pay over time based on development of additional skills, competencies, and company-specific knowledge.

Average salary estimate

$119000 / YEARLY (est.)
min
max
$115000K
$123000K

If an employer mentions a salary or salary range on their job, we display it as an "Employer Estimate". If a job has no salary data, Rise displays an estimate if available.

What You Should Know About Mechanical Engineer - Alignment, Mainspring Energy

Are you passionate about sustainable energy and looking to make a real impact? Mainspring Energy is on the hunt for a dedicated Mechanical Engineer - Alignment to join our vibrant team in Menlo Park, CA. This isn’t just a job; it’s a chance to play a crucial role in redefining power generation. Our innovative Mainspring Linear Generator is taking the world by storm, and you could be at the heart of this transformation. In your role, you'll be responsible for designing and maintaining the alignment of key components of our cutting-edge technology. Your creativity and engineering expertise will influence our mission to provide clean, reliable power solutions. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, including electrical engineering, you’ll ensure seamless integration and deliver specifications that meet the high standards we are known for. You’ll dive deep into 3D CAD modeling using SolidWorks, conduct engineering analyses with tools like ANSYS, and execute rigorous testing to uphold our product’s performance. We emphasize continuous improvement and innovation, so staying current with advancements in mechanical engineering is essential. At Mainspring, we value diverse perspectives and are eager to embrace new ideas in our quest for a sustainable future. If you hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering with experience in product lifecycle management, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and possess great collaboration skills, we would love to hear from you. Join us as we accelerate the transition to a net-zero carbon grid!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Mechanical Engineer - Alignment Role at Mainspring Energy
What are the primary responsibilities of a Mechanical Engineer - Alignment at Mainspring Energy?

As a Mechanical Engineer - Alignment at Mainspring Energy, your main responsibilities involve designing and maintaining the alignment of critical components for our innovative Linear Generator technology. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and product introduction, performing tasks such as 3D CAD modeling and engineering analysis. Additionally, you will be involved in rigorous testing and validation processes to make sure our designs meet safety and reliability standards.

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What qualifications do I need to apply for a Mechanical Engineer position at Mainspring Energy?

To apply for the Mechanical Engineer - Alignment position at Mainspring Energy, candidates typically need a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. Furthermore, a minimum of 3 years of experience in mechanical design engineering is required, ideally with involvement in industrial equipment or power generation. Familiarity with CAD tools like SolidWorks and experience in prototyping, assembly, and testing are also essential.

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Can you describe the work environment for a Mechanical Engineer - Alignment at Mainspring Energy?

At Mainspring Energy, the work environment for a Mechanical Engineer - Alignment is dynamic and collaborative. You’ll work onsite at our Menlo Park HQ, where communication and teamwork are prioritized. Interacting closely with various departments, you will be encouraged to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the table, contributing to our collective mission of advancing clean energy technologies.

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What growth opportunities exist for a Mechanical Engineer - Alignment at Mainspring Energy?

Mainspring Energy is committed to the professional growth of its employees. As a Mechanical Engineer - Alignment, you will have opportunities for skill development through continuous improvement initiatives, exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and the chance to work on impactful projects aimed at revolutionizing power generation. The company encourages innovation and acknowledges employee contributions, fostering an environment where you can advance your career.

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How does Mainspring Energy support work-life balance for its Mechanical Engineers?

Mainspring Energy recognizes the importance of work-life balance and strives to create an environment where employees can thrive both professionally and personally. Mechanical Engineers are encouraged to manage their projects effectively, allowing for flexibility in workload. The company promotes a culture of collaboration and respects individual time, enabling engineers to balance their commitments while contributing to groundbreaking clean energy solutions.

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Common Interview Questions for Mechanical Engineer - Alignment
Can you explain your approach to aligning critical components in a mechanical system?

In addressing this question, it's essential to highlight your systematic approach to alignment. Discuss the importance of precision in measurements, the use of CAD tools for design accuracy, and how you validate alignment through testing. Emphasize your problem-solving skills and your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve alignment objectives.

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How do you ensure that your designs are manufacturable and cost-effective?

When responding to this question, explain your familiarity with DFM/DFA principles and how you apply them throughout the design process. Highlight your proactive collaboration with suppliers and manufacturers to identify potential production challenges early and your techniques for optimizing design choices to help reduce costs while maintaining quality.

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Describe a challenging engineering problem you've encountered and how you solved it.

For this question, share a specific example that showcases your analytical skills and creativity. Structure your response using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and focus on your role in identifying the problem, implementing effective solutions, and the positive impact of your resolution on the project or team.

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What tools and software do you use in your mechanical design work?

In your answer, describe your proficiency with industry-standard software like SolidWorks for 3D CAD modeling and your experience with FEA tools like ANSYS for conducting engineering analysis. Mention any other relevant tools you have used in past projects to demonstrate your range of expertise and comfort with technological resources.

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How do you keep your knowledge current in mechanical engineering advancements?

Discuss your commitment to continuous learning and staying updated on industry trends. Mention resources you read regularly, such as engineering journals, webinars, and workshops, and describe any professional organizations you belong to. Emphasizing your proactive approach to learning will show your enthusiasm for the field.

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Explain how you would approach teamwork in a cross-disciplinary setting.

Highlight your communication skills and ability to respect and integrate the diverse perspectives of team members from different disciplines. Discuss your experience working in cross-functional teams and how you collaborate to achieve project goals, ensuring everyone’s Input is valued and utilized effectively.

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What is your experience with verification and validation processes in mechanical design?

When addressing this question, make sure to explain your understanding of verification and validation (V&V) principles in product development. Share examples of how you have planned and executed V&V testing in past roles to ensure designs meet all specified requirements for performance, safety, and reliability.

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Can you describe your experience with 3D CAD modeling and engineering drawing creation?

Describe your proficiency with 3D CAD software, particularly SolidWorks, and your experience in creating detailed engineering drawings that adhere to GD&T standards. Emphasize the importance of attention to detail and how your modeling skills contribute to the overall design and manufacturability of components.

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What role does sustainability play in your mechanical engineering designs?

Explain your commitment to sustainable practices in engineering design. Discuss how you consider life cycle impacts, material choices, and energy efficiency in your designs, demonstrating your alignment with Mainspring Energy's mission of creating clean and reliable power solutions.

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How do you manage multiple projects and prioritize tasks effectively?

In your response, emphasize your organizational skills and time management strategies. Discuss any tools or methodologies you use to prioritize tasks, such as project management software or techniques like Agile or Kanban, showing your adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

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Mainspring Energy is engineering advanced technology by developing a prototype of a linear generator that converts fuel to electricity. Mainspring was founded in 2010 by three Stanford engineers- Shannon Miller, Adam Simpson, and Matt Svrcek. T...

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March 29, 2025

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