Product Design / Studio Engineer

Company Overview

Glydways is transforming the concept of public transportation by making it more accessible, affordable, and environmentally friendly. We believe that efficient mobility connects people to essential opportunities such as housing, education, employment, commerce, and healthcare. Our mission is to develop a transit solution that offers high capacity, excellent user experiences, great affordability, and minimal environmental impact.

Glydways introduces an innovative network of carbon-neutral, interconnected transit pathways utilizing standardized autonomous vehicles on dedicated routes. These operate around the clock with on-demand access, providing personalized and efficient transportation without high upfront infrastructure costs or ongoing government subsidies. We are building a future where mobility is a universal freedom.

Role Summary

We are seeking a Product Design / Studio Engineer to join our Vehicle Engineering team. This pivotal role bridges Industrial Design and Mechanical Engineering, ensuring early design intent and premium user experience are preserved while translating concepts into practical engineering solutions. The position requires collaboration with Industrial Designers, UX Researchers, and multidisciplinary engineering teams to develop both interior and exterior physical architecture of our autonomous vehicle fleet. Responsibilities include digital master-modeling, prototyping, and leading high-volume manufacturing development.

Key Responsibilities

• Integrate mechanical engineering rigor into the design process, creatively addressing challenges and managing tradeoffs to enhance the product vision.
• Serve as the liaison between Industrial Design/UX and engineering teams to maintain ergonomic and aesthetic integrity while ensuring structural and mechanical feasibility.
• Oversee detailed vehicle architecture involving micro-tolerances, dense component integration (displays, sensors, lighting, and electronics), and packaging in tight, stylized spaces.
• Lead advanced CAD modeling and creation of Class-A surfaces, generating authoritative digital master models that translate design sketches into manufacturable components.
• Develop and test rapid prototypes using CNC, 3D printing, and custom fabrication to validate form, fit, and ergonomic decisions in real time.
• Design parts for manufacturability at scale, considering processes such as injection molding, thermoforming, composites, sheet metal, and casting to achieve cosmetic excellence.
• Collaborate with manufacturing vendors during molding validation, tooling, and initial vehicle assembly to uphold visual and quality standards.
• Establish and maintain design standards, including texture finishes and tolerance guidelines, to ensure every vehicle reflects a cohesive, high-quality brand image.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• 5 to 10+ years’ experience as a Product Design Engineer, Studio Engineer, or Mechanical Engineer working closely with Industrial Design teams in automotive, emerging technology, consumer hardware, or mobility sectors.
• A demonstrated portfolio showcasing complex physical architecture designs, high-density component integration, and successful transition from conceptual sketches to mass production.
• Expertise in advanced 3D CAD surfacing and master-modeling using tools such as Siemens NX, Creo (Pro-E), or SolidWorks.
• Strong systems thinking with an eye for detail to simplify complex electro-mechanical infrastructures into elegant design implementations without sacrificing performance or aesthetics.
• In-depth understanding of manufacturing methodologies, including GD&T, tolerance analysis, plastic injection molding, stamping, casting, and cosmetic finishing techniques.
• Proven ability to operate at the intersection of creative and technical teams with excellent communication skills to advocate for engineering excellence and design quality.
• Adaptability to work in a startup environment characterized by ambiguity, rapid iteration, and vehicle program development from the ground up.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Glydways is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a workplace free from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, genetics, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other protected characteristic under applicable laws.