Design Quality Engineer
Join the Revolution at Zero Motorcycles!
There’s the cushy comfort of the mundane. Then there’s the thrill of pioneering work. Being here is the latter.
It started with our first Zero S, shipped in 2010 – a bold step into the future of electric mobility. Since then, we’ve been at the forefront of the electric vehicle movement, delivering award-winning motorcycles and electrifying sport and utility vehicles for leading OEMs. With cutting-edge technology and relentless craftsmanship, we push the boundaries of performance and sustainability, making every ride more thrilling and the world a little more sustainable.
We’ve only scratched the surface. Join us in leading the revolution of electric mobility.
Design Quality Engineer
Zero Motorcycles is seeking an experienced Design Quality Engineer to join our dynamic team and ensure the highest levels of quality and performance in our vehicle designs. The successful candidate will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including design engineering, quality engineering, customer experience, manufacturing, as well as external partners to develop DFMEA (Design Failure Modes and Effects Analysis) strategies, support DFMEA activities, drive design improvements, and assist with DVP&R (Design Verification Plan and Report) planning and test execution. This is a full-time position working from our Scotts Valley, CA corporate headquarters reporting to the Director of Quality Engineering.
What you will do:
Develop and implement comprehensive DFMEA strategies to identify and assess potential design risks and failure modes.
Work closely with the design and engineering teams, both internally and externally, to conduct DFMEA activities, including risk assessment, identification of critical failure modes, and prioritization of design improvements.
Collaborate with design engineers to drive design improvements based on DFMEA findings, ensuring robust and reliable vehicle designs. •
Assist in the planning of Design Verification Plan and Report (DVP&R) activities, including defining test plans, criteria, and methodologies for design validation.
Support the execution of DVP&R tests, including data collection, analysis, and reporting on test results, ensuring that designs meet quality and safety requirements.
Provide technical support to resolve testing and validation issues and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on quality goals and objectives and to develop appropriate actions to mitigate risks identified during the analysis.
Continuously identify opportunities for process improvements and best practices in design quality engineering, contributing to the overall enhancement of our product development processes.
Cascade DFMEA outputs to teams responsible for PFMEA and Control Plans and participate in PFMEA activities.
What you will Bring:
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. (A master's degree is a plus.)
Proven experience in testing and validation of automotive or motorcycle components and systems.
Strong knowledge of DFMEA methodologies and experience in leading DFMEA activities.
Familiarity with relevant industry standards, regulations, and testing procedures.
Proficiency in using testing equipment, data acquisition systems, and statistical analysis software.
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to analyze complex data sets.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to work independently with minimal supervision.
Passion for electric vehicles and sustainable transportation.
Willingness to travel to external partner facilities as necessary to support design quality activities.
Physical Requirements
Ability to communicate in real-time with internal and external stakeholders
While the majority of work is sedentary, and done either in face-to-face meetings, or sitting for extended times performing work on computers, the selected candidate must have the ability to navigate a lab/ manufacturing environment
Ability to occasionally lift 30 lbs
Travel frequency will be 10-25%, both domestically and internationally
Location
Zero Motorcycle’s culture is best experienced in person, and we prefer selected candidates work onsite in our Scotts Valley office; hybrid work arrangement may be an option.
We believe diversity is our strength, and inclusion is our foundation. As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to building a workplace where everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, or background—can thrive. We celebrate individuality, amplify diverse voices, and strive to foster an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and empowered to do their best work. Together, we’re shaping a future that works for all.
The estimated salary range for a new hire in this position is $130,000 to $148,000. Actual salary may vary depending on job-related factors, which may include candidate's knowledge, skills, and experience. In addition to regular salary, Zero offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, life, and disability insurance, paid time off, and a 401(k) matching plan.