← Search all jobs

Mechanical Engineer

Ouster

San Francisco, CA · Posted October 13, 2026

Just laid off? Start here: a plan for the first weeks

See every open role at Ouster

More in California job market · Mechanical Engineer jobs in San Francisco, CA (19) · All Mechanical Engineer jobs (637) · Manufacturing & Industrial · Engineering jobs

More roles at Ouster

Similar jobs

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.

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.

Mechanical Engineer salaries by state · Check your own pay

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.

Check how this applies to your own job

Skills this job asks for

Say which you have and which you want to build. We use it to match you to jobs like this one.

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