What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Engineer position at AdAstra?
About the Company
Our client is developing a new generation of intelligent home robots designed to free people from everyday chores. The company blends world-class hardware engineering with cutting-edge AI, enabling responsive, secure, and fully autonomous operation.
Based in San Francisco and founded by visionary leaders behind several breakthrough technology ventures, the company operates with an ultra-lean, high-impact philosophy: small teams, exceptional talent, and a deep focus on bringing products to market. Their approach is pragmatic with an emphasis on solving real problems for customers, not publishing papers or chasing hype.
The team is small and exceptional, composed of engineers who thrive on autonomy, speed, and impact. There are no silos, just top performers collaborating to build technology that changes how people live. And home robots are just the start.
About the Role
This team is seeking world-class Mechanical Engineers to design the core mechanisms, actuators, and motion systems that bring their robots to life. You’ll own designs end-to-end — from concept through high-volume manufacturing — and play a central role in shaping how the product performs in real homes. It’s a fast-paced, hands-on environment where your designs move quickly from prototype to product, helping to launch one of the most exciting new consumer robotics platforms in years. You won’t just help build the product — you will also be the first to take one home.
The ideal candidate is a proven builder with exceptional mechanical intuition and someone who thrives on solving novel design problems and delivering reliable hardware that ships at scale.
Responsibilities
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Design and prototype precision mechanisms, actuators, and assemblies for next-generation consumer robots.
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Own mechanical subsystems end-to-end — from CAD and analysis to supplier engagement, testing, and validation.
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Develop parts and assemblies for high-volume manufacturing, including injection molding, die casting, stamping, and extrusion.
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Collaborate closely with electrical, firmware, and perception engineers to integrate mechanical designs with compute and sensing systems.
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Rapidly iterate on designs to balance performance, reliability, cost, and manufacturability.
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Contribute to design reviews, bring-up, and debug of electromechanical systems.
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Drive DFM and DFA readiness with contract manufacturers, ensuring robust quality and scalability.
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Prototype, test, and refine actuator and transmission concepts, translating simulation into reliable real-world performance.
Requirements
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BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, or equivalent hands-on experience.
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Exceptional mechanical design intuition and systems-level problem solving.
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Deep experience designing and building actuators, mechanisms, or complex moving assemblies for volume.
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Demonstrated success thriving in a fast-pace, high performing, low management environment typical of early stage startups.
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Strong experience with DFM/DFA and working directly with contract manufacturers on low cost volume processes (injection molding, die casting, sheet metal, MIM, etc.).
Preferred Qualifications
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Familiarity with integrated mechatronic systems, including motor design, gear trains, and sensor integration.
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Proven record of taking electromechanical consumer products from concept through production.
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Comfort with rapid prototyping, testing, and hands-on iteration.
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Strong understanding of materials, tolerance analysis, GD T, and reliability testing for dynamic systems.
Logistical Requirements
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This is an onsite role in San Francisco.
Compensation
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Annual Base Pay: $200,000 - $300,000 USD
Benefits
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Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage, along with a 401(k) plan.
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Employees will be the first to receive their own personal robots.
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Company card for tech accessories and office food orders.
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Catered lunches.
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Work alongside a powerhouse team of engineers and founders who have built, scaled, and exited some of the most recognized technology companies in the world.
About AdAstra
AdAstra Talent Advisors is a headhunting and talent advising firm focused on the Climate, Space, and Defense sectors of Hard Tech. We specialize in pairing highly technical and executive talent with some of the world’s leading Hard Tech startups.
At AdAstra, we catalyze the innovations that future generations depend on by placing the right people in the right seats. Our dedicated work enables inconceivable technology from Earth, to the stars. And it’s all because of trailblazing talent like you - those driven to do what’s never been done before.
We care about long term relationships with both candidates and companies. Even if the role we initially discuss isn’t a perfect fit, it’s likely we’ll have something relevant to share with you in the future.
Join us on our journey by following along via LinkedIn!
CEO, Seyka Mejeur | LinkedIn profile
CTO / COO, Brian Mejeur | LinkedIn profile
AdAstra Talent Advisors | LinkedIn profile
AdAstra Website
Salary : $200,000 - $300,000