Mechanical Engineer-Robotics

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer - Robotics

Job Description

This role focuses on owning the mechanical design and engineering lifecycle for large-format robotic 3D printing construction equipment. You will develop complex mechanical assemblies, systems, and specialized tooling, perform advanced engineering analyses, and create comprehensive engineering documentation. The position is highly cross-functional, requiring close collaboration with electrical, software, manufacturing, and field operations teams to deliver robust, reliable, and manufacturable robotic systems.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end design and engineering lifecycle of complex mechanical assemblies, systems, and specialized tooling for large-format robotic 3D printing construction equipment.
• Perform detailed structural, thermal, and kinematic engineering analyses using both foundational hand calculations and advanced computational modeling tools such as FEA and CFD to evaluate stress, deflection, fatigue, thermal performance, and dynamic system behavior.
• Generate comprehensive engineering documentation, including 3D CAD models, detailed 2D drawings in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards, and accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs).
• Lead cross-functional design reviews, incorporating feedback from industrial design, manufacturing, reliability, software, and field operations teams to refine and optimize mechanical designs.
• Drive the selection and qualification of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components, materials, and fabrication methods to achieve designs optimized for manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to develop integrated designs that meet functional and performance requirements for robotic products.
• Work side-by-side with Prototype Technicians and Manufacturing teams during the build phase to troubleshoot assembly issues and rapidly implement design updates.
• Develop and execute rigorous verification and validation plans to ensure mechanical designs meet all functional, performance, and reliability requirements.
• Identify technical risks throughout the design process and drive mitigation strategies using tools such as Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA).
• Provide hands-on support for field deployment of robotic systems and perform root cause analysis of mechanical failures in both operational and prototype equipment.
• Manage and control engineering documentation, including drawings, models, and BOMs, within Product Data Management (PDM) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems.
• Review and check drawings created by other team members for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to established drafting and GD&T standards.
• Perform other related engineering duties as assigned to support overall product development goals and organizational objectives.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum of 2-5+ years of experience in a hands-on mechanical design or product development role.
• Strong proficiency with SolidWorks for 3D modeling and mechanical design.
• Experience with mechanical design, machine design, and new product development in a robotics or automation-focused environment.
• Proficiency in creating detailed mechanical drawings and documentation, including GD&T, in accordance with ASME Y14.5 standards.
• Ability to perform structural, thermal, and kinematic analyses using hand calculations and computational tools such as FEA and CFD.
• Demonstrated experience designing and iterating R&D prototypes or similar fast-paced design cycles while maintaining high-quality output.
• Strong skills in mechanical drafting, documentation, and Bill of Materials (BOM) creation and maintenance.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams including mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and field operations.
• Hands-on approach to troubleshooting mechanical issues during prototype builds, assembly, and field deployment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with FEA tools and simulation workflows; SolidWorks Simulation experience is highly relevant, and ANSYS experience is transferable.
• Experience designing, integrating, and troubleshooting fluid or hydraulic systems.
• Experience designing hardware intended for prolonged use in dusty, dirty, or harsh outdoor environments.
• Familiarity with Product Data Management (PDM) and Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) systems for controlling engineering documentation.
• Experience applying Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) or similar risk assessment methodologies.
• Experience in robotics and automation, particularly in large-format or industrial applications.

Work Environment

This is an onsite role with typical working hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with flexibility to work overtime as project needs arise. You will work in a fast-paced, innovative startup environment focused on robotics and advanced construction technologies, collaborating closely with engineering, prototype, and manufacturing teams. The culture emphasizes growth, collaboration, and the opportunity to contribute in the early phases of a rapidly growing company. Paid time off includes a shutdown week from December 26th to 31st and 10 paid holidays, including New Year's Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and a winter break holiday period. The environment supports hands-on work with mechanical systems, prototypes, and large-format robotic equipment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Austin, TX.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $45.00 - $65.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 15, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.