Mechanical Engineer - Lighting & Audio Systems
at DoorDash
Location
Oakland, CA
Compensation
$139k–$205k USD
Type
full time
Posted
1 weeks ago
Market range · function + seniority
$132k—$171k—$203k
p25 · target · p75 · n=800
Posted $205k · above the band
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Job description
About the Role
We’re looking for a highly capable Mechanical Engineer to own the design and integration of lighting and audio systems for our autonomous delivery robot, DOT. This role requires a balance of strong mechanical fundamentals, system-level thinking, and an eye for human-robot interaction.
You will lead the development of DOT’s interactive lighting systems—ranging from expressive “eyeballs” to headlights and taillight strategies—as well as the mechanical integration of audio hardware that enables clear, reliable two-way communication with customers and law enforcement. You’ll work both independently and with partners to bring these systems from concept through production.
What You’ll Do
- Own end-to-end development of DOT’s lighting systems, including:
- Interactive “eyeball” lighting elements that convey intent and state
- Headlight and taillight architectures balancing safety, compliance, and brand expression
- Integration of LEDs, light pipes, diffusers, and housings
- Lead the mechanical design and integration of audio systems, including:
- Speaker enclosures optimized for clarity and environmental durability
- Microphone placement and packaging for effective two-way communication in real-world conditions
- Translate product and UX requirements into robust mechanical designs that enable intuitive interaction through light and sound
- Develop detailed CAD models, assemblies, and production drawings, and drive design reviews
- Collaborate cross-functionally with EE, firmware, industrial design, and product teams to ensure seamless system integration
- Work with external vendors and partners to co-develop components, manage design trade-offs, and ensure quality
- Drive prototyping, testing, and validation, including environmental (weather, vibration, ingress) and performance testing
- Make informed decisions around materials, manufacturing processes, and cost, ensuring designs are production-ready
- Contribute to system architecture and help define best practices for interactive hardware systems
What We’re Looking For
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- 5–8 years of experience in mechanical design, ideally in robotics, automotive, or consumer hardware
- Strong proficiency in CAD (SolidWorks, Creo, NX, or similar) with experience delivering production-ready designs
- Demonstrated experience designing and integrating lighting systems or optical/mechatronic components
- Experience packaging and integrating audio components (speakers, microphones) into complex systems
- Solid understanding of DFM/DFA, tolerance stack-ups, and manufacturing processes (e.g., injection molding, sealing, adhesives)
- Experience working directly with suppliers and external partners through development and production
- Ability to operate with high ownership and autonomy, while collaborating effectively across disciplines
Nice to Have
- Experience with automotive or robotic lighting systems
- Familiarity with IP-rated designs and environmental sealing strategies
- Basic understanding of acoustics and optical performance
- Experience designing interactive or expressive hardware systems
- Comfort working in fast-paced, iterative development environments
Compensation
The successful candidate’s starting pay will fall within the pay range listed below and is determined based on job-related factors including, but not limited to, skills, experience, qualifications, work location, and market conditions. Base salary is localized according to an employee’s work location. Ranges are market-dependent and may be modified in the future.
In addition to base salary, the compensation for this role includes opportunities for equity grants. Talk to your recruiter for more information.
DoorDash cares about you and your overall well-being. That’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package to all regular employees, which includes a 401(k) plan with employer matching, 16 weeks of paid parental leave, wellness benefits, commuter benefits match, paid time off and paid sick leave in compliance with applicable laws (e.g. Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act). DoorDash also offers medical, dental, and vision benefits, 11 paid holidays, disability and basic life insurance, family-forming assistance, and a mental health program, among others.
To learn more about our benefits, visit our careers page here.
See below for paid time off details:
- For salaried roles: flexible paid time off/vacation, plus 80 hours of paid sick time per year.
- For hourly roles: vacation accrued at about 1 hour for every 25.97 hours worked (e.g. about 6.7 hours/month if working 40 hours/week; about 3.4 hours/month if working 20 hours/week), and paid sick time accrued at 1 hour for every 30 hours worked (e.g. about 5.8 hours/month if working 40 hours/week; about 2.9 hours/month if working 20 hours/week).
The national base pay range for this position within the United States, including Illinois and Colorado.
$139,400—$205,000 USD
About DoorDash
At DoorDash, our mission to empower local economies shapes how our team members move quickly, learn, and reiterate in order to make impactful decisions that display empathy for our range of users—from Dashers to merchant partners to consumers. We are a technology and logistics company that started by enabling door-to-door delivery, and we are looking for team members who can help us go from a company that is known as the place you order food to a company that people turn to for any and all goods.
DoorDash is growing rapidly and changing constantly, which gives our team members the opportunity to share their unique perspectives, solve new challenges, and own their careers. We're committed to supporting employees’ happiness, healthiness, and overall well-being by providing comprehensive benefits and perks including premium healthcare, wellness expense reimbursement, paid parental leave and more.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We’re committed to growing and empowering a more inclusive community within our company, industry, and cities. That’s why we hire and cultivate diverse teams of people from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe that true innovation happens when everyone has room at the table and the tools, resources, and opportunity to excel.
Statement of Non-Discrimination: In keeping with our beliefs and goals, no employee or applicant will face discrimination or harassment based on: race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, age, gender, marital/domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, or veteran status. Above and beyond discrimination and harassment based on “protected categories,” we also strive to prevent other subtler forms of inappropriate behavior (i.e., stereotyping) from ever gaining a foothold in our office. Whether blatant or hidden, barriers to success have no place at DoorDash. We value a diverse workforce – people who identify as women, non-binary or gender non-conforming, LGBTQIA+, American Indian or Native Alaskan, Black or African American, Hispanic or Latinx, Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander, differently-abled, caretakers and parents, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. Thank you to the Level Playing Field Institute for this statement of non-discrimination.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.
If you need any accommodations, please inform your recruiting contact upon initial connection.