Sr Mechanical Engineer [Milpitas, CA]

About the role

Dandy is seeking a Senior Mechatronics Engineer to join our elite Precision Robotics R&D team. This role is the technical cornerstone for developing the mechatronic architecture of our next-generation Special Purpose Machines (SPM) for manufacturing custom-made prosthetics. As an engineer with 6+ years of experience, you will bridge the gap between high-level robotic theory and physical execution. You will be responsible for building the "nervous system" of our machines - integrating actuators, sensors, and motion control into a cohesive, high-performance architecture. This is a hybrid role in Milpitas, where you will drive innovation from initial concept and rapid prototyping through to production-ready systems. You will own the complete lifecycle of mechatronic solutions, ensuring that every design decision aligns with our rigorous standards for precision and reliability in a high-growth environment. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional partners to translate complex requirements into robust mechanical and electrical architectures. Your work will directly influence the scalability and manufacturability of systems that define the future of dental prosthetics production. This position demands a hands-on leader who thrives on solving ambiguous technical challenges while mentoring others.

Key facts

What you'll do

• System Architecture & Design: Architect and integrate complex robotic hardware systems, including precision actuators, sensors, and electromechanical subsystems, ensuring they meet the micron-level reliability required for manufacturing custom-made prosthetics.
• Special Purpose Machine Design Expertise: Apply deep technical knowledge of both additive (3D printing) and subtractive (milling, grinding, polishing) processes to design versatile, high-precision manufacturing platforms.
• High-Fidelity Prototyping: Lead the rapid prototyping of components and conduct rigorous structural/thermal analyses. Validate designs through intensive performance testing and failure-mode analysis (FMEA).
• Cross-Functional Integration: Act as the primary technical interface between mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software teams to ensure seamless system integration and optimization of system dynamics.
• Requirements Translation: Convert abstract product requirements into detailed mechanical specifications and system-level interfaces that guide development and validation activities.
• Test Strategy Development: Define and execute validation protocols, including environmental, durability, and functional testing, to confirm system compliance with performance targets.
• Process Optimization: Drive iterative improvements in manufacturing workflows by analyzing test data, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing design refinements.
• Documentation Leadership: Produce comprehensive technical documentation, including schematics, assembly instructions, and test reports, to support production and maintenance activities.
• Supplier Collaboration: Partner with external vendors and manufacturing partners to ensure component specifications are met and production processes are optimized.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion a culture of learning and refinement by incorporating feedback from testing, production, and field performance into future design iterations.
• Risk Management: Proactively identify technical risks and develop mitigation strategies to prevent delays or performance issues during development and scale-up.
• Innovation Pipeline: Contribute to the exploration and evaluation of emerging technologies that could enhance the capability and efficiency of our SPM platforms.
• Team Development: Provide technical mentorship to junior engineers, fostering growth and capability within the precision robotics organization.
• Stakeholder Communication: Clearly articulate technical concepts and trade-offs to both engineering and non-technical stakeholders throughout project lifecycles.
• Execution Excellence: Maintain a disciplined approach to timelines, deliverables, and quality standards in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Requirements

• Experience: 6+ years of machine-building experience, specifically in hardware, mechatronics, or robotics engineering with a focus on system-level architecture for production systems.
• Education: B.S./M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical, or Robotics Engineering.
• Founding Mindset: Proven ability to work as an individual contributor in an early-stage environment while possessing the leadership skills to scale a team.
• Technical Mastery: * Expert-level proficiency with Solidworks or similar platforms and a deep understanding of varied fabrication and manufacturing processes.
• Profound knowledge of robotic kinematics/dynamics, motor controllers, and simulation tools
• Hands-on experience with sensor integration, embedded systems, and manufacturing design execution.
• Soft Skills: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to mentor junior engineers and manage multiple projects in a high-velocity high growth environment.
• Ability to self-direct, self-managing issues to closure involving all necessary teams, and adapt quickly to program changes.
• Willingness to travel to suppliers, manufacturing, and testing facilities as required throughout product development (~20% travel)

Nice to have

• Experience working as a System or Mechanical Engineer for an Automation System Integrator or OEM, with a track record of delivering turnkey automated solutions.
• Advanced Motion Control: Knowledge of waveform tuning, custom PLC programming (Beckhoff/TwinCAT), or experience with high-performance motion controllers (ACS, Elmo, Others).
• Experience with laser interferometry, high-resolution optical encoders, and sub-micron calibration techniques for milling and printing paths.
• Expertise in integrating Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and 3D vision systems into robotic workflows for real-time quality feedback.
• Advanced capability in FEA/CFD for thermal and vibration analysis of high-speed robotic linkages and spindles.
• Experience with the design or qualification of custom brushless motors, linear actuators, or robotic end-effectors.
• Robotic Safety: Knowledge of ISO 10218 or ISO 13482 standards for robotic system safety and collaborative operation.

Practical notes

• Willingness to travel to suppliers, manufacturing, and testing facilities as required throughout product development (~20% travel)

Req ID: J-984

For full-time positions, Dandy offers a wide range of best-in-class, comprehensive, and inclusive benefits tailored to each country where we operate. Our local benefits packages typically include healthcare, dental, mental health support, parental planning resources, retirement savings options, and generous paid time off - ensuring our team members are supported no matter where they live and work.

Dandy is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to ensuring equal opportunity for prospective employees and employees without regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, or medical condition. We evaluate all qualified applicants for employment without regard to such factors and do not sponsor immigration or visa applications for employment purposes unless otherwise required by law. This job posting reflects our current needs and requirements; as we grow and evolve our roles, responsibilities and expectations may change to meet business demands.