Mechanical Engineer and Technician – Robotics

RAI Institute; Zürich; On-site; CHF 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

RAI Institute is seeking a talented Mechanical Engineer to design, prototype, and maintain world-class mobile robotic systems. You will produce CAD models, create specifications, and lead hands-on testing and assembly of robots.

You will collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams, ensure robust hardware design, and apply best practices in DFM/DFMA, GD&T, and system validation while exploring diverse fabrication methods.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with relevant professional engineering experience (robotics preferred).
• Mastery of at least one 3D CAD system (SolidWorks/Onshape) and experience with version control (PDM/Windchill or similar).
• Strong experience in DFMA, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and part inspection/verification.
• Knowledge of FEA/ MATLAB / Python for engineering analysis.
• Hands-on prototyping tools (mills, lathes, 3D printers, lasers).
• Experience designing, maintaining, and fielding mobile robots with safety considerations.
• Experience with CNC, sheet metal, injection molding, and casting processes.
• Strong skills in cable routing, rugged system design, and IP requirements.
• Excellent communication to align across internal teams and vendors.

Responsibilities

• Produce CAD models, drawings, specs, assembly instructions, and test plans for complex parts and assemblies.
• Drive daily hands-on prototyping, testing, and debugging.
• Assemble, fix, and commission robots.
• Collaborate on hardware and system design across cross-functional teams.
• Promote engineering best practices.

Skills

3D CAD (SolidWorks/Onshape)

DFM/DFA

GD&T

FEA / MATLAB / Python

Robotics hardware experience

Prototyping hardware skills

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Windchill / PDM

Job description

Our Mission

Our mission is to solve the most important and fundamental challenges in AI and Robotics to enable future generations of intelligent machines that will help us all live better lives.

Our Mission

Our mission is to solve the most important and fundamental challenges in AI and Robotics to enable future generations of intelligent machines that will help us all live better lives.

We are searching for talented mechanical engineers with a strong grasp of fundamentals and the hands-on experience required to build and maintain world-class mobile robots. In this role, you will join our cross-functional teams to develop the next generation of high-performance, intelligent mobile robotic systems. If you are ready to bring novel hardware products to life, learn from world-renowned technologists, and solve unprecedented technical challenges, we want you on our team.

What You'll Do

• Produce comprehensive CAD models, technical drawings, specifications, assembly instructions, and testing plans for complex parts and assemblies.
• Drive daily hands-on prototyping, testing, and debugging efforts.
• Assemble, fix, and commission robots
• Collaborate closely on hardware and system design across multiple cross-functional teams, supporting peers and sharing knowledge.
• Champion and maintain a culture of engineering best practices.

What You'll Need

• A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with relevant professional engineering experience (experience specifically in robotic engineering is highly preferred).
• Mastery of at least one 3D CAD system (e.g., SolidWorks, Onshape) and experience navigating version control (PDM, Windchill, or similar) with multiple contributors on large assemblies.
• Strong experience in Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA), including technical drawing ownership, proper application of GD&T, tolerance analysis, and part inspection/verification.
• Deep knowledge of engineering analysis tools, including Simulation, FEA, Python, and MATLAB.
• Hands-on proficiency with common mechanical prototyping tools and processes (mills, lathes, 3D printers, laser cutters, etc.).
• Demonstrated experience in designing, maintaining, and fielding mobile robots, encompassing safety and operational protocols.
• Proven experience designing for diverse fabrication methods such as CNC machining, sheet metal, injection molding, and casting.
• A strong background in design best practices for rugged, field-deployable systems (e.g., troubleshooting failures, integrating sensors and compute hardware, designing cable routing, and meeting IP requirements).
• Excellent communication skills to align technical requirements across internal teams and external vendors.
• A collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a genuine excitement for cutting-edge robotics.

Bonus

Experience in any of the following is a plus; none is required.

• Proficiency in integrating complex hardware components to ensure seamless operation across robotic platforms.
• Hands-on experience designing, manufacturing, and testing custom actuation for robotic systems, particularly integrating frameless pairs for rotary actuation.
• Specialized expertise in one or more of the following areas: robotic actuation, system-level architecture for complex electromechanical systems, safety-critical design for human-interfacing systems, or complex mechanism design.

We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.