Sr DRE, Electrical Systems Packaging

About the role

Aptera is looking for a Senior Design Release Engineer to own the CAD design, mechanical release, and lifecycle of electrical modules on our solar electric vehicle. You'll package PCBs into enclosures, own enclosure design and tooling, and drive your parts from concept through SOP in CATIA — jumping in hands-on wherever needed in our fast-paced start-up environment.

What you'll do

Serve as technical lead and single point of accountability for the mechanical/CAD execution of assigned modules, from concept through SOP Package PCBs into enclosures — connector layouts, stack-ups, thermal management, and sealing Own enclosure design and tooling strategy across injection molding, die casting, sheet metal, and machining Create and manage CATIA models and drawings, own the Engineering BOM, and lead ECR/ECO change management Support hands-on prototype and pilot builds — bench work, mock-ups, and in-vehicle installations Partner with the Electrical Engineering team on harness and EMC integration Qualifications Required: deep, hands-on CATIA (V5/V6, 3DEXPERIENCE) and GD&T expertise Proven ownership of BOMs and ECOs in PLM systems Experience with PCB packaging, OTS component integration, and enclosure design Strong cross-functional leadership with a hands-on, start-up mindset Preferred Qualifications Experience with ENOVIA/3DX Familiarity with APQP/PPAP, DV/PV testing, and automotive environmental standards Supplier tooling oversight and rapid-iteration prototyping experience Start-up experience Team Structure Individual contributor; collaborate with other teams and individuals, as necessary Required Experience 7+ years in DRE/Product Engineering in automotive or adjacent industries Educational Requirements B.

S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field Salary + Benefits Market competitive compensation package Stock option grants Fully funded benefits package for employee + dependents Generous Flexible Time Away policy Aptera Motors is dedicated to building a future where every journey is powered by the sun.

We specialize in creating solar electric vehicles that revolutionize the way we travel, providing sustainable and efficient transportation solutions. Company Culture is built on transparency, ethical treatment of one another, a bias for action, and leading by example. Sr Design Release Engineer, Electrical Systems Packaging Carlsbad, California | Engineering | Full-time