Mechanical Engineer
Ouster
San Francisco, CA · Posted October 13, 2026
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Where San Francisco, CA ranks
Where San Francisco, CA placed in our monthly rankings, month by month. Each month stays online at its own address.
November 2026
- #1Best cities for security jobs316 openings · of 20
- #1Best cities for technology jobs7,178 openings · of 100
- #1Best cities for financial services pay after cost of living$173k · of 33
- #1Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills35% · of 100
- #1Best cities for entry-level jobs that want AI skills in the West Coast35% · of 54
- #1Cities with the most jobs that do not need a four-year degree in the West Coast902 jobs · of 47
Rankings about engineering jobs
- Best cities for software and engineering jobs #1 San Francisco (3,412 openings)
- Best cities for engineering pay after cost of living #1 San Mateo ($216k)
- Most requested AI skills in engineering jobs #1 AI tools in daily work (6.1%)
- AI tools named most often in engineering jobs #1 Claude (1.7%)
- Employers with the most engineering jobs #1 Amazon (2,992 roles)
Pay compared with the market
This listing does not state pay. Across 114 open mechanical engineer listings that state pay, the middle half runs $108,000 to $153,500 and the median is $132,500.
Listed pay is what employers advertise, not what people are paid.
How AI is used in this kind of work
AI use among mechanical engineers is little observed so far. Measured exposure for mechanical engineers: 8% (little observed).
Share of this job’s tasks that AI is already used for at work, from real usage. It is not a forecast of job loss, and a low number means no use seen yet. Source: Anthropic Economic Index.
Skills this job asks for
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About the job
At Ouster, we build sensors and tools for engineers, roboticists, and researchers so they can make the world safer and more efficient. We've transformed LIDAR from an analog device with thousands of components to an elegant digital device powered by one chip-scale laser array and one CMOS sensor. The result is a full range of high-resolution LIDAR sensors that deliver superior imaging at a dramatically lower price. Our advanced sensor hardware and vision algorithms are used in autonomous cars, drones and many other applications. If you’re motivated by solving big problems, we’re hiring key roles across the company and need your help!
We are looking for a proactive and skilled Mechanical Engineer to develop mechanical systems for our current and future digital lidar products. The ideal candidate would have experience with multi-domain mechanical projects such as electrical/mechanical integrations or opto-mechanical design. They should be comfortable working with other departments such as Operations, Manufacturing, and Quality/Reliability as well as with external suppliers.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Own mechanical component and subsystem design from R&D through NPI and into sustaining
Own CAD assemblies and engineering drawings with full revision control
Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, optical, and systems teams to deliver fully integrated products
Partner with Quality and Manufacturing to ensure designs are reliable and producible at high volumes
Support design validation, testing, root cause and corrective action on hardware failures
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
Experience designing multi-domain highly integrated mechanical systems such as opto-mechanical, electrical integration, or hydraulics
Proficiency in SolidWorks
Able to work in a self-driven and demanding start-up atmosphere
Excellent hands-on assembly and failure analysis abilities
Able to travel occasionally
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
GD&T proficiency and tolerance stack-up analysis
Familiarity designing for harsh environments (thermal, vibration, ingress)
Familiarity with FEA and/or CFD thermal simulation
Familiarity with multiple functional areas/disciplines, such as manufacturing, reliability, testing, and design.
Ability to work in a highly cross-functional team
Knowledge of Statical Process Control.
Python scripting experience
The base pay will be dependent on your skills, work experience, location, and qualifications. This role may also be eligible for equity & benefits. ($115,000-$150,000)
Ouster is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that pursues and hires a diverse workforce. Ouster does not make employment decisions on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, nationality, sex, gender, gender-identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, military status, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws. Ouster also strives for a healthy and safe workplace, and prohibits harassment of any kind. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Ouster considers qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records for employment. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know