Mechanical Engineer and Technician – Robotics

Robotics and AI Institute; Zürich; On-site; CHF 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Robotics and AI Institute in Zürich seeks a Mechanical Engineer to design, prototype, and deploy high-performance mobile robots. You will create CAD models, drawings, and testing plans; lead hands-on prototyping, assembly, and commissioning; and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure rugged, field-ready systems.

Required: Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering with robotics experience, proficiency in SolidWorks or Onshape, DFM/DFA, GD&T, tolerance analysis, FEA tools, and hands-on

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering with relevant professional experience in robotics preferred.
• Proficiency in one 3D CAD system and version control for large assemblies.
• Strong DFM/DFA, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and part inspection understanding.
• Knowledge of simulation/FEA, Python, and MATLAB.
• Hands-on prototyping and machining experience; fielding mobile robots.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

CAD modelling

DFM/DFA

GD&T

Tolerance analysis

Part inspection

FEA

Python

MATLAB

Prototyping tools

Robotics experience

Cable routing

IP requirements

Team communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

Onshape

PDM

Windchill

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.

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.