What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Mechanical Engineer position at Engtal?
Job Title: Lead Mechanical Engineer – Autonomous Robotics
Location: San Antonio, Texas
About the Company
Our client is an innovative robotics company developing all-electric autonomous systems designed for large-scale industrial and outdoor operations. Their technology focuses on improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability through advanced automation and intelligent machine design. The organization values collaboration, accountability, quality, and continuous improvement in a fast-paced engineering environment.
Job Summary
We are seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to drive the design, development, and integration of advanced autonomous robotic systems. This role will lead mechanical engineering efforts across multiple projects, mentor engineers, and collaborate cross-functionally to deliver robust, scalable, and high-performance autonomous platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the mechanical design, development, and testing of robotic platforms including chassis, actuators, enclosures, and integration of sensors and electronics.
- Own the full product development lifecycle from concept through commercialization, including prototyping, laboratory and field testing, and iterative design improvements.
- Lead design reviews, DFMEAs, engineering documentation, and change management releases.
- Collaborate closely with electrical, software, and systems engineering teams to ensure seamless system-level integration.
- Apply Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to support efficient production and scalability.
- Work with suppliers and manufacturing partners for component sourcing, prototyping, validation, and production support.
- Ensure compliance with industry safety, reliability, and regulatory standards.
- Perform mechanical analysis including thermal, structural, stress, vibration, and dynamic evaluations.
- Develop and execute validation and verification test plans for mechanical systems and field deployments.
- Mentor junior engineers and help establish engineering best practices across the organization.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field from an accredited university.
- Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
- 7 years of mechanical design experience, ideally within robotics, automation, or complex mechatronic systems.
- Strong proficiency with SolidWorks, SolidWorks PDM, 3D CAD modeling, and simulation tools such as ANSYS, FEA, CFD, and tolerance stack analysis.
- Strong understanding and application of GD&T standards.
- Knowledge of EMI/EMC concepts including grounding and shielding practices.
- Experience designing products for harsh operating environments involving shock, vibration, and temperature extremes.
- Familiarity with CSA Class I Div II, CE, and UL standards preferred.
- Proven track record delivering commercialized products from concept to production.
- Hands-on prototyping experience including 3D printing, CNC machining, and sheet metal fabrication.
- Deep understanding of material selection, structural design, thermal management, and kinematics.
- Experience working with electro-mechanical systems including actuators, motors, gearboxes, sensors, and embedded components.
- Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
- Experience working within ISO 9001:2015 or similar quality management frameworks.
- Experience with ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite, etc.) and QMS platforms (Arena, MasterControl, Adept, etc.).
- Demonstrated experience leading engineering projects and technical teams.
Preferred Experience
- Autonomous or semi-autonomous mobile robotics platforms such as AMRs, drones, or industrial robotic systems.
- Designing products for rugged industrial, military, or outdoor applications.
- Familiarity with robotics safety standards such as ISO 10218 or R15.06.
- Experience in agile product development and rapid prototyping environments.
- Working knowledge of motion control systems, embedded systems, and integrated robotic platforms.
- Experience supporting manufacturing and production environments.
- Background in product quality, statistical analysis, testing, and validation methodologies.