Ovael is developing an integrated virtual-reality platform consisting of a VR headset, haptic gloves, a full-body haptic suit, and teleoperation software. They are seeking a Founding Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the mechanical development of their VR hardware ecosystem, transforming product concepts into functional prototypes.

Responsibilities:

• Own the mechanical development of all three VR products from architecture through physical prototype
• Translate industrial-design concepts into engineered CAD parts and assemblies
• Define product dimensions, component placement, fastening methods, adjustment systems, and assembly architecture
• Package displays, lenses, cameras, sensors, actuators, batteries, circuit boards, wiring, speakers, and thermal components
• Create detailed CAD models, engineering drawings, tolerance specifications, bills of materials, and assembly instructions
• Perform structural, thermal, motion, fatigue, tolerance-stack, and failure analysis
• Select materials, fasteners, textiles, foams, adhesives, connectors, and manufacturing processes
• Design for low weight, comfort, durability, safety, repairability, and cost
• Build and test physical prototypes with internal engineers and external manufacturing partners
• Coordinate with industrial design, electrical engineering, software, haptics, optics, and manufacturing teams
• Establish CAD organization, revision control, documentation, and validation standards
• Help recruit and guide future mechanical engineers as Ovael grows
• Engineer the visor housing, facial interface, head strap, adjustment mechanisms, and structural frame
• Package displays, lenses, cameras, tracking sensors, speakers, microphones, batteries, circuit boards, wiring, and cooling systems
• Optimize weight distribution, balance, ventilation, durability, and user comfort
• Design lens-spacing, focus, fit, and head-size adjustment mechanisms
• Create removable covers, service access, charging interfaces, and replaceable components
• Control mechanical tolerances affecting optical alignment and tracking accuracy
• Engineer the glove’s mechanical structure, textile layers, wrist module, closures, and protective enclosures
• Package finger-tracking sensors, haptic actuators, batteries, electronics, wiring, and connectors
• Develop compact mounting systems that preserve finger movement, grip, and tactile interaction
• Design strain-relief, cable-routing, ventilation, and impact-protection features
• Support different hand sizes and left- and right-hand configurations
• Design removable electronics and washable or replaceable textile layers
• Engineer the suit’s modular mechanical and textile architecture
• Develop mounts and enclosures for haptic actuators, motion sensors, control modules, batteries, wiring, and connectors
• Preserve full-body movement while keeping sensors and actuators securely positioned
• Design adjustment systems for different body sizes and proportions
• Develop weight-distribution, ventilation, strain-relief, and cable-management solutions
• Design removable electronics, washable garment layers, and field-replaceable modules
• Complete mechanical architecture for the headset, gloves, and suit
• Detailed 3D CAD parts, subassemblies, and master assemblies
• Component-packaging and cable-routing layouts
• Engineering drawings using GD&T where applicable
• Structural, thermal, ergonomic, and tolerance analyses
• Material and component specifications
• Complete bills of materials
• Exploded assembly diagrams
• Prototype construction and assembly instructions
• Mechanical testing and validation plans
• Supplier-ready prototype and manufacturing packages
• Documented path from initial prototype to production-oriented design

Requirements:

• Degree or equivalent professional experience in mechanical engineering, product engineering, or a related field
• Strong mechanical-design and physical-product-development portfolio
• Advanced experience with SolidWorks, Onshape, Creo, CATIA, Fusion 360, or comparable CAD software
• Strong understanding of mechanics, materials, tolerances, thermal management, and electronics packaging
• Experience producing professional engineering drawings and bills of materials
• Knowledge of CNC machining, injection molding, sheet metal, textiles, foams, composites, and additive manufacturing
• Experience building, assembling, testing, and improving physical prototypes
• Ability to design around electrical, optical, sensor, software, and human-factor requirements
• Ability to take complex wearable hardware from concept through a working prototype
• Strong technical documentation and communication skills
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Experience developing VR, AR, mixed-reality, haptic, or wearable hardware
• Experience designing head-worn devices, gloves, exoskeletons, medical wearables, or smart garments
• Understanding of VR optics, display mounting, camera alignment, and tracking systems
• Experience packaging sensors, actuators, batteries, wiring, and flexible electronics
• Knowledge of lightweight structures and body-worn load distribution
• Experience with thermal simulation, finite element analysis, and tolerance-stack analysis
• Familiarity with anthropometric sizing and ergonomic testing
• Experience designing removable, washable, and replaceable electronic modules
• Experience working with prototype shops, suppliers, and contract manufacturers
• Previous technical leadership or founding-engineer experience