Mechanical Engineer

Mechanical Design Engineer

Pascal is seeking a mechanical design engineer to work at the intersection of materials science, applied physics, and mechanical engineering. This role will be primarily responsible for designing components for our prototypes and pilot systems.

Pascal has translated its core solid refrigerant technology into a commercial-scale refrigerator prototype. The next phase of development requires systematic design of each core component.

We are looking for a mechanical engineer who is comfortable moving between CAD, the machine shop, test benches, and vendor calls. The ideal candidate will join a small team in a young startup and take on whatever roles are needed to advance the technology along its maturation path. While the primary focus will be converting system requirements into robust mechanical designs and driving prototype builds, working within a small team naturally creates opportunities—and expectations—to contribute to product and prototype design, materials production, systems engineering, controls, and occasional corporate development tasks.

Applicants should have 3+ years of experience in mechanical engineering or a related field, with prior industrial experience designing, modeling, and validating mechanical components or systems. Hands‑on experience with prototype hardware is essential. Familiarity with heat exchangers and thermal systems, particularly in energy, HVAC, or refrigeration applications, is strongly preferred.

• Design and develop mechanical systems and components for Pascal’s solid refrigerant refrigeration platforms, including compressors, separators, fluid handling systems, heat exchangers, and their integrated assemblies.

• Work with suppliers to detail, design, and produce these components and systems.

• Own the mechanical design for key components, including requirements definition, 3D CAD modeling, tolerance analysis, and drawing release.

• Lead mechanical prototyping efforts, including part fabrication (in‑house and with vendors), machining, assembly, and iterative refinement.

• Collaborate with materials, controls, and thermal engineers to ensure seamless integration of mechanical, thermofluidic, and control subsystems, and support system‑level builds and debugging activities.

• Conduct and document mechanical validation tests, including structural integrity, vibration, thermal expansion compatibility, and durability.

• Contribute to building and nurturing the company’s culture and values.

• Mentor interns and co‑op students on related projects.

• 3+ years of industry experience in mechanical design for hardware products, energy systems, refrigeration/HVAC systems, or related physical systems.

• An engineering mindset that balances creativity with disciplined execution, documentation, and iteration, and an affinity for pragmatic outcomes, with a focus on producing results that directly enable the next step in technology development.

• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD (e.g., Solid Works, Fusion 360) and experience generating production‑ready drawings.

• Demonstrated hands‑on experience with mechanical prototyping, machining (manual and/or CNC), part fabrication, and system assembly.

• Working knowledge of structural mechanics, materials selection, tolerancing, and mechanical integration in thermal systems.

• Experience collaborating with vendors or contract manufacturers on fabricated, machined, or sheet metal components.

• The ability to operate independently, contribute effectively within a team, and assume leadership when required.

The salary range for this role is $70,000–$105,000, or commensurate with experience. We are committed to equitable compensation across our company, and we offer a generous benefits package to make sure you have the support you need. We cover 60% of the medical insurance premiums for our employees and their dependents on our base plans, and 100% of dental and vision insurance premiums.

We offer an unlimited Paid Time Off policy and encourage people to take regular vacation. We provide an employee‑contribution 401(k) plan in addition to many other benefits. Every employee, regardless of gender identity or expression, is also eligible for 12 weeks of paid parental bonding leave after their one‑year anniversary at the company.