As a founding-level mechanical engineer, you will lead the design and structural analysis of a breakthrough tactile intelligence platform. You will develop complex electromechanical systems that bridge the gap between physical touch and AI, owning the entire lifecycle from first-principles concepting and high-fidelity simulation to prototyping and production-ready manufacturing.
Mechanical/Structural Design Engineer at robotics hardware AI startup
Are you ready to give robots the sense of touch? We are looking for a founding Mechanical/Structural Design Engineer to lead the development of a next-generation tactile intelligence platform in San Francisco. You'll solve first-principles engineering challenges by combining high-fidelity FEA simulation with hands-on prototyping to create hardware that enables robots to manipulate the world with human-like dexterity. Join a well-funded team of experts at the cutting edge of Physical AI and own the mechanical architecture of a revolutionary sensing technology.
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Location
San Francisco, United States
Compensation
Not Disclosed
Company
Confidential company
Role overview
About the company
Robotics hardware and sensing startup
What you will do
- Lead mechanical architecture and precision packaging for tactile modules, robotic fingertips, and custom end effectors using advanced 3D CAD.
- Execute complex structural, thermal, and dynamic simulations (FEA/FEM) to validate designs and optimize performance before hardware builds.
- Manage the full hardware development lifecycle, including rapid prototyping, failure analysis, DFM/DFA, and collaborating with external manufacturing partners.
Who this is a fit for
- Proven expertise in mechanical design for robotics, wearables, or complex electromechanical systems with deep proficiency in 3D CAD tools.
- Extensive experience with high-fidelity FEA/FEM simulation tools such as ANSYS, Abaqus, or SolidWorks Simulation to guide architectural decisions.
- Strong background in taking hardware products from initial concept through validation and scaling, with a deep understanding of GD&T.
Why this role is remarkable
- Join as a founding-level engineer defining a completely new category of tactile hardware for the next generation of dexterous robots.
- Work in a high-growth environment backed by top-tier VCs at the intersection of robotics, custom silicon, and machine learning.
- Solve unique multidisciplinary challenges like integrating flexible electronics into compliant, high-durability structures that mimic human-level touch sensitivity.
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