Mechanical Design Engineer, Seating

Kalogon, a smart seating startup based in Melbourne, seeks a Seating Engineer or Designer to help us open up new product lines and to cross-pollinate ideas across all of the verticals we serve. The ideal candidate will have experience in designing or developing seating for extended seating durations and has excellent knowledge of human anatomy, ergonomics, and a drive to innovate seating to help everyone have a healthier seated life.

This role is flexible and could be contract, part, or full time*.

What You’ll Do

Design & Development

• Conceptualize and design seating system products and features for novel systems while managing them through the full lifecycle that meet customer needs and desires
• Balance key required attributes such as health benefit, safety, functionality, comfort, aesthetics, cost, mass, schedule, and sustainability with the realities of what is feasible, on budget, and desirable
• Leverage detailed information about human anatomy, ergonomics, and desired seated behaviors to create novel seating systems
• Create detailed 3D models, assemblies, and technical drawings using CAD software
• Provide direction to development team relating to surface and product form development- working to bring Kalogon’s brand values and product requirements to life
• Develop and maintain design documentation, including specifications, test procedures, and technical reports to meet criteria for inclusion in required reporting
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product development, sales, and manufacturing, to ensure seamless integration of design solutions
• Research and identify new materials, processes, or approaches that not only improve the design and functionality of seating systems, but that can generate unique IP - whether forms, approaches, or patentable ideas

Project Management

• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines and budget constraints
• Coordinate with suppliers, vendors, and manufacturing partners to ensure design feasibility and cost-effectiveness
• Participate in design reviews, risk assessments, and failure analysis investigations
• Cultivate empathy with end users and ensure you understand their perspective and how it applies to your work
• Stay abreast of industry developments and incorporate those into the team knowledge and workflow
• Contribute to the development of engineering standards and procedures

Testing & Validation

• Support and manage engineering development and certification testing, including creation of test plans, oversight of test article builds, and coordination with regulatory authorities
• Work with internal team members on key external validations for partners or help team with documentation for key certifications
• Design and execute test protocols to validate product performance, reliability, and safety
• Analyze test data and implement design improvements based on findings
• Support prototype development and participate in design verification activities
• Troubleshoot technical issues and implement corrective actions

Skills & Experience Required

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field to seating
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience designing seating with at least 3 full product development cycles under your belt
• Proven track record of successfully completing complex engineering projects from concept to production
• Familiarity and previous delivery of products that combine soft goods, hardware, and connected devices

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (OnShape, SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo, or similar)
• Strong knowledge of engineering fundamentals including mechanics, thermodynamics, materials science, and manufacturing processes
• Understanding a wide range of manufacturing processes such as machining, welding, casting, injection molding, and sewing)

Beneficial and Bonus Experience

• Medical device experience
• Experience in seating ergonomics or seating engineering
• Knowledge of aviation or aerospace seating standards and certification requirements
• Experience with rapid prototyping technologies (3D printing, CNC machining)
• Understanding of software development processes and agile methodologies

Export-Control Requirements

To conform to the U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about ITAR: https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_kb_article_page&sys_id=24d528fddbfc930044f9ff621f961987

Details about Role

• Role reports to: Engineering Manager
• Role works with: Development, Product, Product, Marketing, Sales
• Role location: Preference for candidates located in Melbourne, FL with occasional opportunities to work from home. Remote candidates will be expected to be in office on a regular basis.
• Some travel, estimated as 6 - 8 business trips a year

Company Benefits

Kalogon offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Full time benefits include:

• Equity
• 401k with matching
• 20 days off per year
• 5 all-team holidays, 3 floating holidays

People with disabilities are encouraged to apply. If you required a disability-related accommodation for your application, please email us at careers@kalogon.com

Company Info

Kalogon is a venture-backed small business based in Melbourne, Florida, founded by top engineering talent from SpaceX and NASA. Our mission is to eliminate the stresses of sitting and improve health through inventive seating solutions.

Kalogon’s flagship medical product is a customized smart cushion, Orbiter Med, that relieves pain and fatigue experienced by individuals who use wheelchairs. We have three other products in the medical space: Bondar (back support), Booster (smart cushion accessory), and our original Orbiter (smart cushion).

Beyond healthcare, we’re expanding into defense and aviation with three U.S. Air Force Direct to Phase II SBIR contracts to design custom seating for B-52 and E-4B aircrew, and a commercial aviation proof of concept.

Kalogon is a fast-paced company that leverages lean startup methodology to rapidly improve our technology in close partnership with our customers and partners. At the core of our approach is empathy-driven design, ensuring that we deeply understand the challenges our users face and create solutions that directly address their needs, enhancing both comfort and quality of life.

Learn more at www.kalogon.com/careers

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