Mechanical Engineer, Autonomous Vehicle

About the role

Nuro is expanding its focus from delivery robotics to licensing autonomous driving software for robotaxis and personal vehicles. We are seeking a mechanical engineer to help design and integrate hardware systems that support these new platforms. You will contribute to the physical development of our autonomous driving technology as we transition into broader automotive markets. In this capacity, you will play a key role in evolving our hardware strategy to align with a software-first licensing model. Your work will directly influence how our sensor suites and computing platforms are realized in production vehicles. You will be part of a team that is building the foundational hardware infrastructure for a scalable driver. This role offers the opportunity to shape the physical manifestation of autonomy in next-generation vehicles.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Engineer mechanical architectures for sensor placement and compute unit accommodation.
• Develop detailed part drawings and assembly documentation for complex hardware systems.
• Execute validation protocols to confirm mechanical integrity under simulated operational conditions.
• Partner with electrical and software teams to synchronize hardware capabilities with system requirements.
• Evaluate manufacturing processes to ensure designs are suitable for high-volume production environments.
• Optimize component layouts to meet stringent spatial and thermal constraints within vehicle platforms.
• Lead root cause analysis for mechanical failures and drive corrective actions to resolution.
• Assess third-party hardware components for compatibility and performance suitability.
• Define test procedures that verify the durability and reliability of mechanical assemblies.
• Support the creation of technical proposals that communicate hardware capabilities to licensing partners.
• Establish data-driven feedback loops to refine designs based on testing outcomes and field data.
• Facilitate design reviews that translate abstract software needs into concrete mechanical solutions.

Requirements

• Hold a Bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• Demonstrate hands-on experience in mechanical design, prototyping, and hardware integration.
• Exhibit advanced proficiency in CAD software for complex assembly modeling and documentation.
• Maintain the ability to work on-site at our Mountain View headquarters consistently.
• Show a strong understanding of mechanical tolerances and their impact on system integration.
• Apply analytical problem-solving skills to diagnose and overcome engineering challenges.
• Communicate technical concepts clearly to both engineering and non-engineering stakeholders.
• Adhere to strict project timelines and quality standards in a fast-paced development setting.

Skills & tools

• CAD software
• Mechanical design and analysis
• Hardware integration
• Prototyping techniques
• GD&T interpretation
• Structural analysis fundamentals
• Material selection processes
• Test procedure documentation
• Version control practices for design files
• Simulation software for mechanical validation
• Manufacturing process knowledge
• Safety compliance standards

Practical notes

• Nuro recently secured 106 million dollars in funding to support the shift toward licensing autonomy technology.
• Applicants must review and agree to the Nuro Privacy Policy during the submission process.

About the company

Nuro is a self-driving technology company on a mission to make autonomy accessible to all. Founded in 2016, Nuro is building the world's most scalable driver, combining cutting-edge AI with automotive-grade hardware. The company's approach emphasizes a software-defined vehicle model that reduces the complexity and cost of deploying autonomous systems. By focusing on licensing their core autonomy stack, Nuro aims to accelerate the adoption of self-driving technology across the automotive industry. This strategic shift allows partners to leverage Nuro's expertise in robotics and AI to create their own branded autonomous vehicles. The Mechanical Engineer will be instrumental in ensuring that the hardware side of this equation is robust, reliable, and ready for mass deployment. The role requires a balance of creativity and precision to deliver solutions that meet rigorous automotive standards. Success in this position will contribute directly to the scalability and safety of Nuro's autonomy platform. The company culture values collaboration, technical excellence, and a deep commitment to transforming transportation.