Parallel Systems is pioneering autonomous battery-electric rail vehicles designed to transform freight transportation by shifting portions of the $900 billion U.S. trucking industry onto rail. Our innovative technology offers cleaner, safer, and more efficient logistics solutions. Join our dynamic team and help shape a smarter, greener future for global freight.
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Parallel Systems is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with expertise in dynamics, simulation, and CAD design to help us design the next generation of our self-propelled rail vehicles. This role will focus on designing and analyzing mechanical systems for performance, safety, and durability. Ideal candidates will have experience in vehicle dynamics and structural analysis, with a preference for those who have worked in railway or road vehicle applications.
Responsibilities:
- Design and analyze vehicle structures, mechanisms, and actuated systems with a focus on dynamics, kinematics, and structural integrity.
- Develop, optimize, and maintain CAD models for mechanical components and assemblies.
- Conduct multibody dynamics simulations to assess system performance under real-world conditions.
- Perform finite element analysis (FEA) for structural, fatigue, and modal performance.
- Investigate and resolve mechanical failures to improve system reliability.
- Support prototype development, testing, and validation of vehicle components as part of a multi-disciplinary team.
What Success Looks Like:
- 30 days: Get up to speed on the current state of the Mk3 design. Spend time with each system owner to understand their architecture, open issues, and key risks. Visit the manufacturing facility and learn the build process and its controls. By day 30, share a short written assessment of the biggest technical gaps and risks you see across the vehicle.
- 60 days: Take ownership of one or more systems and set the requirements for the design or redesign, including load cases and the standards that apply. Develop a first concept, backed by analysis, and present it internally. Complete a peer review of a colleague’s concept.
- 90 days: Complete the design or redesign of your system and prepare for a formal design review. Work with Reliability and Test engineers to complete a DFMEA and fault tree analysis against the requirements, and define how simulation results will be correlated with test data. In parallel, take part in vehicle commissioning and troubleshooting with the team.
Requirements:
- 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering with a focus on structures, dynamics, simulation, and machine design.
- Strong proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX, or similar).
- Experience with multibody dynamics (MBD) simulation tools (Simpack, Adams, or equivalent).
- Expertise in finite element analysis (FEA) and computational simulation.
- Strong understanding of mechanical vibrations, fatigue analysis, and structural mechanics.
- Experience working with mechanical systems in transportation, automotive, or railway applications.
- Ability to interpret and apply engineering standards and safety regulations.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience in railway vehicle dynamics, bogie design, or track interaction.
- Knowledge of railway industry standards (EN, UIC, APTA, FRA, or similar).
- Experience with prototyping, manufacturing processes, and design for manufacturability (DFM).
- Proficiency in Python, MATLAB, or similar scripting tools for simulation automation.
We are committed to providing fair and transparent compensation in accordance with applicable laws. Salary ranges are listed below and reflect the expected range for new hires in this role, based on factors such as skills, experience, qualifications, and location. Final compensation may vary and will be determined during the interview process. The target hiring range for this position is listed below.
Parallel Systems is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any discriminatory factor protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We work to build an inclusive environment in which all people can come to do their best work.
Parallel Systems is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Parallel Systems will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact your recruiter.
Skills Required
- 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering with a focus on structures, dynamics, simulation, and machine design.
- Strong proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, CATIA, Siemens NX, or similar).
- Experience with multibody dynamics (MBD) simulation tools (Simpack, Adams, or equivalent).
- Expertise in finite element analysis (FEA) and computational simulation.
- Strong understanding of mechanical vibrations, fatigue analysis, and structural mechanics.
- Experience working with mechanical systems in transportation, automotive, or railway applications.
What We Do
Parallel Systems is a startup company developing the future of intermodal transportation. Our mission is to decarbonize freight while improving supply chain logistics and safety. We are developing vehicles and software to create new autonomous and electric transportation systems for existing rail infrastructure, allowing railroads to convert part of the $900 billion U.S. trucking industry to rail.
