Mechanical Design Engineer, Connector Systems
Job Description
We're looking for a Connector Design Engineer who enjoys solving complex mechanical design problems and turning concepts into manufacturable products.
At CelLink, you'll design and develop injection molded, overmolded, and stamped connector components that integrate into our ultra-thin, flexible harness assemblies. You'll have the opportunity to own designs from concept and CAD through prototyping, validation, and production, while working closely with manufacturing, quality, electrical engineering, customers, and other cross-functional teams.
This is a hands-on engineering role for someone who understands that great product design isn't just about making something work, it’s about making it robust, manufacturable, scalable, and ready for the real world.
If you have experience designing connectors or complex injection molded components and want to work on technically challenging products, we'd love to hear from you.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Design and develop injection molded, overmolded, and progressive-die stamped connector components for integration into flex harness assemblies.
Take designs from concept development through 2D/3D CAD, prototyping, feasibility analysis, tolerance stackups, and design validation.
Develop practical design solutions that balance performance, reliability, manufacturability, cost, and scalability.
Use mold flow analysis and FEA simulations to evaluate and optimize designs.
Develop scalable manufacturing processes for integrating connector components into flex harness assemblies.
Apply design-for-manufacturing principles to complex molded and stamped components.
Own APQP documentation and processes for flex harness assemblies; develop and maintain DFMEAs, DVP&Rs, and PFMEAs.
Support product development and validation activities throughout the product lifecycle.
Apply your understanding of high- and low-voltage connection systems to develop reliable products.
Work closely with customers and internal cross-functional teams to drive projects from concept through execution.
Collaborate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and other teams to resolve technical challenges and keep programs moving.
Minimum Qualifications (Education, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical field.
- 2–5 years of mechanical design engineering experience, with experience designing connectors, injection molded components, stamped components, or other complex electromechanical components.
Hands-on experience developing manufacturing processes for connectors and injection molded components at scale.
- Experience with or exposure to mold flow analysis and FEA is preferred.
Familiarity with the product development lifecycle for high- and low-voltage connection systems.
Proficiency with 3D CAD software; SolidWorks or NX preferred.
- Exposure to APQP processes and engineering documentation such as DFMEA, DVP&R, PFMEA, and PPAP is preferred.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Preferred Industry Experience
Experience in automotive, aerospace, or consumer electronics industries is highly desirable.
Familiarity with industry standards such as ISO 9001, IATF 16949, or similar quality management systems.
Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions.
Working Conditions/Hours
M-F 1st Shift/Salaried Exempt
Physical Demands – Office and Manufacturing Environment
While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands or finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is required to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms and pull/push; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must lift and/or move up to 50 pounds without assistance. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
Includes both a typical office environment, with minimal exposure to excessive noise or adverse environmental issues, and a shop environment, with exposure to high noise levels from operating machines, physical hazards from moving equipment and machine parts, nuisance dust, and skin exposure to chemicals used to run/maintain machines.
PPE
Employee may be required to wear Personal Protective Equipment, including but not limited to safety glasses, safety shoes, bump-caps, gloves, hair nets, masks, & clean-room frocks while adhering to the prescribed safety procedures. Ear plugs are recommended in areas of high noise levels that meet minimum OSHA requirements.
The base pay is just one part of CelLink's total compensation package and is determined within a range. The pay range is designed to support your career progression as you learn, grow, and develop within your role. Your base pay range will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location.
At CelLink, we believe that each employee should have the opportunity to become a CelLink shareholder through participation in CelLink's discretionary employee stock option plan. You'll also receive comprehensive medical and dental coverage and other great benefits.
Note: CelLink benefits, compensation, and employee stock programs are subject to eligibility requirements.
San Carlos, CA Base Pay
$110,000
—
$160,000 USD
We believe diversity and inclusion among our teammates are essential to our success. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees while building teams that represent a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We are an equal opportunity employer. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business needs. CelLink participates in the E-Verify program in specific locations as required by law.
CelLink was founded in 2012 and entered volume production in 2018. CelLink provides electrical systems to the world's leading automotive OEMs & EV manufacturers, data center developers, and stationary power companies. The company has raised approximately $315M in funding through private investment and multiple grants from the US Department of Energy. CelLink’s investors include 3M, Atreides, BMW, BorgWarner, Bosch, D1 Capital, Fidelity, Fontinalis Partners, Ford, Franklin Templeton, Lear, Park West, SK Telecom, Standard Investments, T. Rowe Price, Tinicum, and Whale Rock.
