Sanctuary, a world leader in building AI-based control systems for humanoid robots, is looking to hire a Senior Mechanical Engineer, reporting to the Mechanical Design Manager. In this role you will leverage your expertise in design, architecture, and implementation to enhance our current robotic systems and shape future iterations of our robots.
As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, you bring exceptional mechanical and mechatronics design skills, with proven hands-on experience in designing and optimizing complex mechanisms to meet multiple objectives. You have a strong track record of contributing to the development of systems that scale from prototypes to mid-to-high volume production.
Our Success Criteria
Deliver innovative, high-impact designs that meet ambitious performance targets, setting the standard for excellence within the organization.
Apply advanced expertise in mechanical and mechatronics design, optimization, and manufacturing, solving complex problems at the intersection of creativity and engineering precision.
Develop groundbreaking robotic hands that match or exceed human performance across dexterity, strength, and reliability, and integrate them seamlessly into a world-class general-purpose robot.
Drive innovation in cutting-edge technologies, including high power-density actuation, compact and precise mechanisms, and advanced sensing systems, ensuring the team remains at the forefront of robotics engineering.
Demonstrate technical leadership, mentoring junior engineers, co-ops, and peers instilling best practices and quality of work amongst the team.
Your Experience and Qualifications
Bachelor’s in mechanical engineering, engineering physics, robotics, or a closely related technical field; or equivalent extensive professional experience in designing and developing complex electromechanical systems.
6-9 years of professional experience with 3D CAD tools, with a focus on designing complex, high-performance electromechanical systems.
Proven track record of leading designs from concept through production in a fast-paced, iterative development environment.
Comprehensive experience working through the entire product lifecycle, including design, prototyping, validation, manufacturing, and deployment of high-performance electromechanical assemblies.
Demonstrated ability to optimize designs for performance, cost, manufacturability, and reliability while balancing competing priorities.
Strong understanding of materials science, manufacturing processes, and their application in mid- to high-volume production.
Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams
Skills
Expertise in the specification, design, and analysis of mechanical components such as gears, actuators, bearings, and other precision mechanisms.
Hands-on proficiency in prototyping, robotics, mechatronics, and fabrication techniques, including machining and 3D printing.
Advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes, including creating detailed drawings, applying GD&T, and coordinating with manufacturers.
Proven experience implementing DFM and DFA principles to streamline production and reduce costs
Expertise in designing and optimizing complex, moving mechanical assemblies, ensuring performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
Proficient with change management and change implementation processes
Strong problem solving and risk management skills. Experience with DFMEA, 8D and similar methods is a strong asset.
Experience with engineering for reliability, including durability, lifecycle analysis, and failure prevention.
Proficiency in simulation and analysis tools, such as CFD, FEA, thermal simulation, and design optimization techniques.
Traits
Above all else, a consistently positive attitude and a willingness to do whatever it takes
Empathetic listening and conflict resolution capabilities
Demonstrated ability to influence others without authority
Eager to take on new challenges with tenacity and positivity
Patience, persistence, and attention to detail when resolving performance issues
You would rather work on robots than do pretty much anything else
Obsession with bringing human-like intelligence to machines.
Strong mentorship and leadership development skills to foster sustained team growth, ensuring all technicians have the support to expand their skills and knowledge.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Physics, Robotics, or equivalent experience
- 6-9 years professional experience using 3D CAD tools for complex electromechanical systems
- Proven track record leading designs from concept through production in iterative environments
- Experience across product lifecycle: design, prototyping, validation, manufacturing, deployment
- Strong understanding of materials science and manufacturing processes for mid- to high-volume production
- Expertise specifying, designing, and analyzing mechanical components (gears, actuators, bearings, precision mechanisms)
- Hands-on prototyping and fabrication skills, including machining and 3D printing
- Advanced knowledge of manufacturing documentation, detailed drawings, and applying GD&T
- Experience implementing DFM and DFA principles to optimize production and reduce cost
- Proficiency in change management and change implementation processes
- Experience with engineering for reliability: durability, lifecycle analysis, and failure prevention
- Proficiency with simulation and analysis tools (CFD, FEA, thermal simulation, design optimization)
- Experience with DFMEA, 8D and similar risk management/problem-solving methods
- Experience collaborating across multidisciplinary teams
What We Do
Sanctuary is on a mission to create the world’s first human-like intelligence in general-purpose robots that will help us work more safely, efficiently, and sustainably. And in the not-too-distant future, help us explore, settle, and prosper in outer space. Members of the Sanctuary team founded D-Wave (a pioneer in the quantum computing industry), Kindred (first use of reinforcement learning in a production robot), and the Creative Destruction Lab (pioneered a revolutionary method for the commercialization of science for the betterment of humankind). The team has experience launching market-defining innovations rooted in previously unsolved and deep scientific problems.
