# Mechanical Engineer, Sensing

**Company:** [OpenAI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/openai)
**Location:** San Francisco, CA
**Role:** Hardware Engineering
**Salary:** $266k – $310k/yr
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** Mechanical Engineering, CAD, Solidworks, Nx, GD&T, Tactile Sensors, Force Sensing, Load Cells, Prototyping, Robotics
**Posted:** 2026-06-12

> Design and prototype novel tactile, proprioceptive, and force sensor solutions for robotics. Lead mechanical subsystem development from prototype through early production with cross-functional integration.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Lead the design and iteration of mechanical subsystems, including tactile sensors, load cells, force torque sensors and joint encoders.
- Create and maintain CAD models, assemblies, and drawings with appropriate tolerancing and documentation.
- Build and test prototypes, supporting debugging of mechanical issues such as fit, alignment, friction, and wear.
- Assist in developing test methods and executing validation to evaluate performance, durability, calibration and failure modes.
- Work with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanical components with sensors, actuators, and control systems.
- Support transition of designs from prototype to manufacturable assemblies, incorporating DFM and DFA considerations.
- Collaborate with manufacturing partners and internal build teams to support assembly, troubleshooting, and process improvement.
- Analyze test results and field data to identify issues and drive iterative design improvements.
- Document designs, test results, and changes to support repeatability and production readiness.
- Support sustaining engineering efforts by investigating failures, tracking issues, and implementing corrective actions.

## Requirements
- Strong mechanical intuition and previous experience designing novel mechanical or electrical subsystems for robotic subsystems.
- Experience with hands-on work building, testing, and debugging physical systems.
- Comfortable iterating quickly and learning from incomplete or evolving requirements.
- Experience breaking down problems and working through details such as tolerances, interfaces, and assembly constraints.
- Proactive in seeking feedback and alignment with cross-functional partners.
- Detail-oriented with clear documentation and repeatability practices.
- Experience scaling physical products from prototyping through high volume production.
- Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
- 5+ years experience in mechanical design, robotics, or electromechanical systems.
- Experience with CAD tools (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, or similar).
- Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as machining, screen printing, lamination, molding, or basic fabrication methods.
- Familiarity with high volume GD&T, engineering drawings and tolerancing practices.
- Experience with prototyping, lab work, or hardware bring-up.
- Experience working on multidisciplinary projects involving hardware and software integration.

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