Mechanical Engineer - Humanoid Robots

Job Description:

We're building humanoid robots from the ground up, and we're looking for a mechanical engineer who wants to design the hardware that makes them move, sense, and work in the real world. You'll take ownership of subsystems across the robot — from actuators and limbs to structural frames and integrated electromechanical assemblies — driving designs from concept through prototype to production-ready hardware.

Responsibilities:

• Design and develop core mechanical subsystems including actuator modules, joints, limbs, end-effectors, and structural frames.
• Select and size motors, gearboxes, bearings, transmissions, and compliant elements based on torque, speed, payload, and dynamic loading requirements.
• Run FEA for static, modal, and fatigue analysis to validate stiffness, strength, and dynamic behavior under real operating conditions.
• Perform mass, inertia, and center-of-gravity budgeting at the subsystem and full-robot level to support balance and control objectives.
• Apply DFM and DFA principles across machining, sheet metal, casting, and additive processes; drive modular design so subsystems can be built, tested, and serviced independently.
• Manage tolerance stack-ups and apply GD&T on critical interfaces, mating features, and precision assemblies.
• Integrate electrical and sensing hardware including motors, encoders, drivers, IMUs, force/torque sensors, cameras, and wiring harnesses, with attention to thermal paths and EMI considerations.
• Build prototypes hands-on and run bench tests to characterize stiffness, backlash, thermal limits, durability, and overall subsystem performance.
• Author engineering drawings, BOMs, assembly procedures, and design documentation; coordinate with vendors on custom parts, machining, and sourcing.
• Support integration across mechanical, electrical, firmware, and controls workstreams to deliver complete, working hardware.

Requirements:

• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field, with relevant industry or research experience.
• Strong CAD proficiency in SolidWorks, Onshape, NX, or equivalent, including large assembly management.
• Solid fundamentals in statics, dynamics, mechanics of materials, and machine design, with the ability to reason from first principles.
• Working knowledge of FEA tools (ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation, or similar) and experience using simulation to drive design decisions.
• Practical understanding of GD&T and engineering drawing standards.
• Hands-on experience building, assembling, and debugging electromechanical prototypes.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes including CNC machining, sheet metal, casting, and 3D printing.

Preferred:

• Experience designing actuators, robotic joints, drivetrains, or other precision electromechanical systems.
• Background in robotics projects (industrial, mobile, humanoid, or research platforms).
• Familiarity with sensor integration (IMUs, encoders, force/torque, vision) and basic electrical interfaces.
• Exposure to functional safety standards, IP ingress ratings, and EMC considerations.
• Scripting ability in Python or MATLAB for design calculators, dynamics, and data analysis.
• Some exposure to ROS/ROS2 and an understanding of how mechanical design decisions affect controls and perception.