Mechanical Engineer - Hands (Compliant Elements) (Robotics)

TL;DR

Mechanical Engineer - Hands (Compliant Elements) (Robotics): Designing and developing advanced robotic hand components and interfaces with an accent on softgoods, elastomers, and complex plastics. Focus on materials characterization, complex injection molding, and validating flexible systems to achieve human-level dexterity.

Location: Must be based in San Jose, CA (5 days/week in-office collaboration)

Salary: $120,000 - $250,000 annually

Company

AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots designed for home and commercial markets.

What you will do

• Design mechanical parts and assemblies in 3D CAD focusing on flexible substrates, overmolding, and skin/grip interfaces.
• Generate 2D drawings using GD&T per ASME Y14.5 and perform tolerance stack-ups.
• Prototype, build, and test components to validate tactile performance, durability, and reliability.
• Partner with supply chain and contract manufacturers to drive designs through NPI into high-volume production.
• Lead Failure Analysis & Corrective Actions (FA/CA) for material, molding, or mechanical issues.
• Inspect first articles and support hardware on development platforms.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in mechanical engineering specializing in softgoods, plastics, or elastomer product design.
• Degree in Mechanical, Biomechanical, Material Science, Robotics, or Mechatronics.
• Expertise in 3D CAD for complex geometry, surface modeling, and variable material interfaces.
• Extensive experience with injection molding, including complex tooling such as side actions, lifters, and overmolding.
• Direct experience with elastomers, silicones, and flexible polymers.
• Proficiency in engineering analysis and simulation tools like FEA for non-linear materials or MATLAB.

Nice to have

• 5+ years of professional experience.
• Expertise in waterproofing, IP-rating design, and environmental sealing.
• Experience in controls, integration, and validation.
• CATIA V6 experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to build autonomous humanoid robots with human-level intelligence.
• High-tech, fast-paced working environment.
• Competitive annual base salary.
• Total compensation package may include additional components and benefits.