Senior Mechanical Engineer, Robotics

At IUNU (“you knew”), we're amplifying the ability of growers to produce the highest quality greenhouse crops by leveraging robotics, computer vision, and AI. Our LUNA system is deployed at greenhouses in more than 15 countries, providing critical information like yield forecasts, pest detection and germination rates to growers on mobile and web platforms. By increasing yield and reducing waste, we're building a sustainable future full of delicious vegetables!
As a Senior Mechanical Engineer in Robotics at IUNU, you will design, develop, and improve robotic systems that operate with a high degree of reliability in the challenging environment of a greenhouse. You possess an in-depth understanding of mechanical system design for harsh industrial environments such as IP67 waterproofing, high thermal loads in varying ambient temperatures, and significant vibration exposure. You combine your technical abilities with leadership skills to establish high standards of reliability and accountability for our fleet in the field, and you have experience maintaining those standards in production. Your curiosity and passion for engineering drive you to work cross-functionally, fostering a collegial and collaborative engineering culture.
Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and improve IUNU robotic systems and deployments across multiple product lines
• Establish a high standard for the mechanical components of our robots and hardware installations with a focus on reliability, safety, and consistency
• Maintain system design schematics for production and prototype robots, and develop documentation for assembly and deployment
• Identify and manage opportunities to improve manufacturing (in-house and contracted) with respect to cost, timeliness, and quality, making the appropriate recommendations and tradeoffs as necessary
• Manage the complete lifecycle of engineering documentation, including authoring and maintaining precise engineering drawings, Bills of Materials (BOMs), and build processes, while driving quality improvements through the rigorous execution and approval of Engineering Change Notices (ECNs)
• Work closely with electrical, firmware, application, and other mechanical engineers to efficiently size, groom, and prioritize work items in an Agile environment
• Excel in high-pressure situations, providing immediate troubleshooting and triage for urgent production, field, and manufacturing problems against tight, mission-critical deadlines.
• Participate in accelerated testing of components for determining MTBF, lifespan, maintenance cycles and the associated acceptance criteria based upon business needs
• Open to travel 10%

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related technical field with typically a minimum of 3 years of related experience
• Experience creating parts using best practices, creating and working with large assemblies and structural analysis in SolidWorks
• Strong experience creating detailed engineering drawings and documentation (fully dimensioned part drawings, assembly drawings with BOM, exploded views, etc.) with a firm grasp of GD&T principles per ASME Y14.5M.
• Solid understanding and application of principles, concepts, theories, and techniques in mechanical engineering
• Experience converting non-technical inputs into objectively verifiable engineering requirements that create a product that delights the customer
• Ability to quickly turn a finalized design into a physical prototype by producing engineering drawings, sourcing suppliers, working through procurement challenges, and leading final assembly on compressed timelines
• Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation and assembly instructions 
• Detail-oriented with excellent critical thinking, communication, time management skills and multitasking abilities. 
• Data-driven problem-solving skills to troubleshoot, triage, and fix mechanical, electrical, and software issues within production, design, and manufacturing

Desired:

• Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related technical field
• Experience with mechanical engineering in a regulated industry such as aerospace or medical
• Prior robotics hardware implementation experience
• Experience with production level design, DFA, DFM
• Experience in designing and developing core electronics for robotic applications, including rechargeable battery power systems (BMS, charging circuits), power distribution, motor control, schematic capture, and PCB layout.
• Experience in the hands-on integration of complex electromechanical systems, including the selection of sensors (LiDAR, IMUs, cameras) and actuators, and the design of robust wiring harnesses.
• Experience in implementing and managing system-wide communication using ROS and a variety of industrial and wireless protocols (e.g., EtherCAT, CAN bus, Wi-Fi) over a standard TCP/IP network.
• Hands-on experience with additive manufacturing practices and operating associated hardware
• Ability to read and create electrical schematics or PCB layouts
• Basic experience with Python, C++ and Linux environments using command-line interfaces
• Experience in low- to medium-volume manufacturing environments involving large products
• Six Sigma training / certification
• Experience designing, implementing, and testing both static and dynamic systems
• Experience working within an early/growth-stage startup team
• Experience leveraging AI tools to automate repetitive tasks and optimize workflows, resulting in a significant improvement in operational efficiency.

We’re looking for a candidate who values transparency in communication and is comfortable documenting and troubleshooting issues. You should be able to communicate effectively with team members, including summarizing design decisions, test requirements and root cause analysis. You are able to write design, assembly and maintenance documentation and present them in a logical manner. You are comfortable with ambiguity and want to work in a fast-paced startup environment.
Diversity:
At IUNU, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment. We are dedicated to the happiness and success of all of our employees, and strive to foster a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, nurtured, and respected. Diversity is important, and we strongly encourage people of all identities and backgrounds to confidently apply for a job with us if this is a role that interests and excites you. We want you to feel comfortable bringing your whole self to work with you, with all of your talents and strengths.