Senior Design Optimization Engineer
About SandboxAQ
SandboxAQ is a high-growth company delivering AI solutions that address some of the world's greatest challenges. The company’s Large Quantitative Models (LQMs) power advances in life sciences, financial services, navigation, cybersecurity, and other sectors.We are a global team that is tech-focused and includes experts in AI, chemistry, cybersecurity, physics, mathematics, medicine, engineering, and other specialties. The company emerged from Alphabet Inc. as an independent, growth capital-backed company in 2022, funded by leading investors and supported by a braintrust of industry leaders. At SandboxAQ, we’ve cultivated an environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and impact. By investing deeply in our people, we’re building a thriving, global workforce poised to tackle the world's epic challenges. Join us to advance your career in pursuit of an inspiring mission, in a community of like-minded people who value entrepreneurialism, ownership, and transformative impact. About the RoleWe are seeking a highly motivated AI/ML Engineer to join our team for a groundbreaking project on AI-assisted structural optimization and material selection for defense applications. In this role, you will work closely with internal AI/ML experts developing advanced AI workflows. This workflow integrates topology optimization, finite element analysis (FEA), materials selection, and manufacturability constraints to accelerate and automate the redesign of critical components for improved performance and cost efficiency. The ideal candidate combines hands-on experience with FEA and optimization tools with strong engineering judgement around materials and manufacturing feasibility.
Key Responsibilities
Analyze and optimize vehicle components
Perform finite element analysis (FEA) and topology optimization using tools such as Altair or ANSYS, and evaluate results in the context of material and manufacturing constraints
Guide materials selection and substitution efforts for component redesign, using commercial alloy databases and engineering tradeoffs
Support the integration of AI/ML models with FEA and topology optimization workflows
Evaluate and refine designs for manufacturability, considering traditional processes (e.g., casting, forging, welding)
Provide knowledge on metals, metal alloys, their processing conditions, and manufacturing methods
Document workflows, tools, and deliverables to support handoff and commercial readiness
Participate in internal and client-facing meetings, presenting technical findings clearly and effectively
Required Qualifications
MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field
Strong experience (5+ years) in at least two of the following areas:
Finite Element Analysis (e.g., Altair, ANSYS)
Topology optimization methods and tools
Applied materials engineering or material selection for manufacturable component design
Familiarity with CAE procedures and target requirements for vehicle components
Ability to evaluate manufacturability (e.g., forging, casting, joining) and material-performance tradeoffs
Proficiency in Python and familiarity with APIs for engineering software integration
Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Background in metallurgical engineering or applied materials science
Experience supporting or developing AI-driven tools for engineering or manufacturing workflows
Understanding in structural engineering or lightweight design principles
Familiarity with cloud-based high-performance computing environments
The US base salary range for this full-time position is expected to be $179k-$251k per year. Our salary ranges are determined by role and level. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. This role may be eligible for annual discretionary bonuses and equity.SandboxAQ welcomes all.
We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where we have zero tolerance for discrimination. We invest in our employees' personal and professional growth. Once you work with us, you can’t go back to normalcy because great breakthroughs come from great teams and we are the best in AI and quantum technology.
We offer competitive salaries, stock options depending on employment type, generous learning opportunities, medical/dental/vision, family planning/fertility, PTO (summer and winter breaks), financial wellness resources, 401(k) plans, and more.
Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.
Accommodations: We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in job application procedures for open roles. If you need such an accommodation, please let a member of our Recruiting team know.
Apply Now
SandboxAQ is a high-growth company delivering AI solutions that address some of the world's greatest challenges. The company’s Large Quantitative Models (LQMs) power advances in life sciences, financial services, navigation, cybersecurity, and other sectors.We are a global team that is tech-focused and includes experts in AI, chemistry, cybersecurity, physics, mathematics, medicine, engineering, and other specialties. The company emerged from Alphabet Inc. as an independent, growth capital-backed company in 2022, funded by leading investors and supported by a braintrust of industry leaders. At SandboxAQ, we’ve cultivated an environment that encourages creativity, collaboration, and impact. By investing deeply in our people, we’re building a thriving, global workforce poised to tackle the world's epic challenges. Join us to advance your career in pursuit of an inspiring mission, in a community of like-minded people who value entrepreneurialism, ownership, and transformative impact. About the RoleWe are seeking a highly motivated AI/ML Engineer to join our team for a groundbreaking project on AI-assisted structural optimization and material selection for defense applications. In this role, you will work closely with internal AI/ML experts developing advanced AI workflows. This workflow integrates topology optimization, finite element analysis (FEA), materials selection, and manufacturability constraints to accelerate and automate the redesign of critical components for improved performance and cost efficiency. The ideal candidate combines hands-on experience with FEA and optimization tools with strong engineering judgement around materials and manufacturing feasibility.
Key Responsibilities
Analyze and optimize vehicle components
Perform finite element analysis (FEA) and topology optimization using tools such as Altair or ANSYS, and evaluate results in the context of material and manufacturing constraints
Guide materials selection and substitution efforts for component redesign, using commercial alloy databases and engineering tradeoffs
Support the integration of AI/ML models with FEA and topology optimization workflows
Evaluate and refine designs for manufacturability, considering traditional processes (e.g., casting, forging, welding)
Provide knowledge on metals, metal alloys, their processing conditions, and manufacturing methods
Document workflows, tools, and deliverables to support handoff and commercial readiness
Participate in internal and client-facing meetings, presenting technical findings clearly and effectively
Required Qualifications
MS or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Engineering, or related field
Strong experience (5+ years) in at least two of the following areas:
Finite Element Analysis (e.g., Altair, ANSYS)
Topology optimization methods and tools
Applied materials engineering or material selection for manufacturable component design
Familiarity with CAE procedures and target requirements for vehicle components
Ability to evaluate manufacturability (e.g., forging, casting, joining) and material-performance tradeoffs
Proficiency in Python and familiarity with APIs for engineering software integration
Excellent problem-solving and communication skills
Preferred Qualifications
Background in metallurgical engineering or applied materials science
Experience supporting or developing AI-driven tools for engineering or manufacturing workflows
Understanding in structural engineering or lightweight design principles
Familiarity with cloud-based high-performance computing environments
The US base salary range for this full-time position is expected to be $179k-$251k per year. Our salary ranges are determined by role and level. Within the range, individual pay is determined by factors including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. This role may be eligible for annual discretionary bonuses and equity.SandboxAQ welcomes all.
We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where we have zero tolerance for discrimination. We invest in our employees' personal and professional growth. Once you work with us, you can’t go back to normalcy because great breakthroughs come from great teams and we are the best in AI and quantum technology.
We offer competitive salaries, stock options depending on employment type, generous learning opportunities, medical/dental/vision, family planning/fertility, PTO (summer and winter breaks), financial wellness resources, 401(k) plans, and more.
Equal Employment Opportunity: All qualified applicants will receive consideration regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.
Accommodations: We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities in job application procedures for open roles. If you need such an accommodation, please let a member of our Recruiting team know.
Apply Now