# Mechanical Design Engineer

**Company:** [OpenAI](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/openai)
**Location:** San Francisco, CA
**Role:** Hardware Engineering
**Salary:** $295k – $380k/yr
**Experience:** 5+ years
**Skills:** Mechanical Design, Cad (Nx, Solidworks), GD&T, Prototyping, Robotics, Electromechanical Systems, Dfm/Dfa, Tolerance Analysis, Hardware Integration, Manufacturing Processes
**Posted:** 2026-06-12

> Lead mechanical design, integration, and sustaining engineering for robotic subsystems. Requires 5+ years in mechanical design or robotics, CAD proficiency, and hands-on prototyping experience.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Lead the design and iteration of mechanical subsystems, including structures, mechanisms, and actuators.
- 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, 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 leading mechanical design for robotic subsystems.
- Hands-on experience building, testing, and debugging physical systems.
- Comfortable iterating quickly and learning from incomplete or evolving requirements.
- Ability to break down problems and work 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, 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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