Senior Mechanical Engineer
San Francisco
Engineering - Hardware / Full Time / On-site
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Chef Robotics is accelerating the deployment of intelligent machines in the physical world, starting with food production-a sector facing the largest labor shortage in the U.S., with 1.14M unfilled jobs today and 3.1M projected by 2030. These roles cannot be offshored, making robotics essential to keeping production onshore and strengthening America's manufacturing base. Backed by investors like Kleiner Perkins, Construct, Bloomberg Beta, and Promus Ventures, and supported by a world-class team from companies such as Cruise, Zoox, Google, Tesla, and Amazon Robotics, Chef is rapidly scaling with multiple multi-year contracts and a mission to put an intelligent robot in every commercial kitchen.
About the Role
Robots are transforming how the world makes food - and you''ll be building the hands that do it. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Chef, you''ll design and ship the mechatronic components that power our robotic systems, from clever end effectors to full manipulation systems.
You''ll own the full development lifecycle: rapid prototyping, lab testing, systems integration, and vendor coordination. If you want your mechanical designs deployed in commercial kitchens across the country, this is your role.
What You''ll Do
Design and build mechatronic components for automated control systems and robotics, with a strong focus on end effectors and manipulation systems
Drive systems integration - taking individual components all the way to a full, functioning robotic system
Work hands-on in our lab: prototype fast, test hard, and iterate until it ships
Partner closely with software, electrical, and industrial design teams to build solutions that are both elegant and production-ready
Source and coordinate with vendors to identify and procure the right materials for mechatronic system designs
Build robust testing processes, conduct reliability studies, and evaluate the feasibility, cost, and performance of new mechatronic equipment
What You Bring
You''ve shipped hardware to production - and you know what it really takes
BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
5+ years of hands-on experience in mechanical design or robotics
Expert-level SolidWorks: CAD, CAM, solid modeling, surface modeling, and sheet metal
Strong command of fabrication drawings, 2D drawings, and GD&T
Experience owning the full product cycle - from first concept through production release and redesign
Deep knowledge of FEA, risk analysis, solid mechanics, and heat and stress transfer simulation
$130,000 - $170,000 a year
Chef is an early-stage startup where equity is a major part of the compensation package. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.
In addition to salary and early-stage equity, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, commuter benefits, flexible paid time off (PTO), catered lunch, and 401(k) matching.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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