Senior Mechanical Engineer

About the role

You will lead the detailed design and analysis of electric actuators, including rotary and linear systems, to power the next generation of robotic hands. You will own the complete selection and packaging of electric motors, bearings, drivetrains, and encoders while ensuring robustness for manufacturing. The role requires guiding junior engineers to refine their designs and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within a small, cross-disciplinary team. You will actively participate in creative brainstorming for concept generation and translate ideas into concrete engineering solutions. Each day involves conducting rigorous engineering analysis to drive critical design decisions and validate performance against demanding specifications. You will compare competing concepts through iterative design, prototyping, assembly, and rigorous testing to de-risk technical challenges. A core responsibility is producing GD&T-informed drawings, a comprehensive Bill of Material, and detailed procurement documentation for suppliers. You will also create clear assembly instructions and finalize all project documentation to support production readiness. The position includes direct participation in pilot builds of your designs and performing root cause analysis to resolve any issues that emerge. Finally, you will execute DVP&R studies to ensure designs consistently meet functional, safety, and performance requirements before scaling.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the detailed design and analysis of actuators, focusing on both rotary and linear motion systems to meet precise performance targets.
• Own the selection and packaging of electric motors, bearings, rotary and linear drivetrains, and encoders to optimize space, weight, and reliability.
• Guide junior engineers through design reviews and mentorship, helping them elevate their technical work and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborate daily with a small cross-disciplinary team of engineers, including software and electrical specialists, to align on system-level goals.
• Participate in creative brainstorming sessions for concept generation, exploring innovative mechanisms and architectures for robotic hands.
• Conduct thorough engineering analysis using simulation and modeling tools to drive data-informed design decisions.
• Compare multiple concepts through iterative cycles of design, prototyping, assembly, and testing to identify optimal solutions.
• Perform analysis such as FEA and other methods to optimize designs for strength, durability, and manufacturability.
• Create detailed GD&T-informed drawings, a complete Bill of Material, and comprehensive procurement documentation for supply chain partners.
• Produce clear assembly instructions and finalize all project documentation to ensure traceability and consistency in production.
• Participate in pilot builds of your designs, testing them in real conditions and performing root cause analysis to resolve any failures.
• Perform Design Verification and Validation testing to confirm that prototypes meet all predefined requirements and standards.
• Iterate on designs to harden them for scalability, applying Design for Manufacturing and Assembly principles across all solutions.
• Drive documentation and knowledge transfer activities that enable seamless handoffs between development and production teams.

Requirements

• Demonstrate mastery of engineering fundamentals and first-principles thinking to solve complex mechanical problems.
• Maintain high proficiency in CAD software such as NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or similar industry-standard platforms.
• Show demonstrated hands-on experience prototyping and testing mechanical components in real-world conditions.
• Exhibit exceptional attention to detail to ensure accuracy in designs, documentation, and test results.
• Excel in teamwork and collaboration, thriving in an environment that depends on cross-functional cooperation.
• Possess outstanding organizational and time management skills to handle multiple deliverables efficiently.
• Display the ability to multi-task and effectively manage conflicting deadlines without compromising quality.
• Communicate clearly in both written and verbal formats, conveying technical information to diverse audiences.
• Function effectively as a great team player within a dynamic start-up environment that values agility and innovation.
• Apply deep knowledge of kinematics, structures (statics), dynamics, joints, mechanisms, and electromechanical packaging optimization.
• Bring experience in designing with linear transmissions, such as ballscrews, and in micro-actuation strategies for precision systems.
• Have hands-on experience in robotic hand and gripper design, including an understanding of end-effector mechanics.
• Understand motor control systems and basic PCB layout principles to enable seamless integration with electronics.
• Hold a Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related technical field.
• Possess 6 or more years of professional experience in the development of actuation systems and/or robotic systems.