Senior Mechanical Design Engineer
Emeryville, CA
Engineering – Hardware /
Full-time /
On-site
THE COMPANY
Our mission is to build the Covariant Brain, a universal AI to give robots the ability to see, reason and act on the world around them. Bringing AI from research in the lab to the infinite variability and constant change of our customer’s real-world operations requires new ideas, approaches and techniques.
Success in the real world requires a team that represents that world: diversity of backgrounds, points of view, and experiences. Our common denominator: ambitious expectations, love of learning, empathy for those around us, and a team-first mindset.
THE ROLE
We are looking for an experienced mechanical engineer to design and scale reliable, innovative new hardware components to meet the needs of our cutting-edge AI applications.
AREAS OF FOCUS
- Using CAD to design, prototype, and release components to manufacture
- Excelling in both numerical analysis and creation of test setups to empirically quantify performance, reliability, and failure modes of new & existing system components
- Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to communicate requirements, design intents, and test procedures for these components
YOU WILL
- Design and iterate on components & mechatronic subsystems to deploy at customer sites per product requirements within aggressive timelines
- Lead design and development work from concept through production for mid-scale volumes; perform DFM, DFA, tolerance analysis
- Design and integrate actuated mechanisms and pneumatics for automated robotic material handling applications
- Integrate custom sensors and electronic assemblies into industrial-grade components
- Develop and lead the design of experiments for validation of component functionality & robustness throughout its expected lifecycle
- Consolidate and parameterize component designs for both ease of configuration and scalability in the field
- Lead the development of the internal roadmap for the standardized components & subsystem module space
- Be comfortable both working with vendors and working in a shop environment for quick turn prototyping and iterating on designs
- Evangelize best practices for CAD, data management, documentation, and cross-company communication
YOU HAVE
- At least 7-12 years experience designing mechanical industrial components
- A Bachelor’s level degree or higher in Mechanical/Mechatronics Engineering or equivalent
- Proficiency in Onshape or Solidworks & implementing data management workflows
- DFX, FMEA, vendor selection, fabrication documentation, GD&T
- Selection and integration of pneumatic & electric actuators
- Harness design, wiring & PCB integration
- Strong grasp of analytical methods (FEA) and experience-backed theoretical reasoning
- Highly familiar with quick-turn manufacturing and rapid prototyping
- Strong cross-functional communication, documentation, and presentation skills
NICE TO HAVES
- Practical usage of sensors & microcontrollers for instrumentation & experimentation
- Proficient with hand tools, a mill, lathe & rapid prototyping equipment
- Cameras, optics & precision calibration
- Working with robotic arms or automation equipment
- Data acquisition tools & analysis
- Background as a CAD administrator
- Background in vacuum & gripping technology
$150,000 - $200,000 a year
Base pay is one element of our total rewards package which may also include comprehensive benefits, equity, etc., depending on eligibility. The actual base pay offered will be determined by factors such as years of relevant experience, skills, education, etc. Decisions will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
COMPANY CORE VALUES
LEARNING CONSTANTLY
STRIVING FOR EMPATHY
TAKING ON THE IMPOSSIBLE, TOGETHER
BENEFITS (US)
Health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family
Unlimited PTO and Flexible work hours
401(k) plan and company match
Lunch and dinner each day (for on-site employees)
Monthly Health & Wellness budget
Quarterly Learning budget
At covariant.ai we don’t just accept difference—we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it for the benefit of our employees, our products, and our community. Covariant.ai is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.
