Mechanical Design Engineer – Defence Robotics (Robotic Arms & Pan-Tilt Systems)

Vir Innovations; Hyderabad; On-site; INR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

Vir Innovations is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Design Engineer in Hyderabad to take ownership of product development for defence grade robotic systems. You will design robotic arms and precision electromechanical systems from concept to production, emphasizing your proficiency in SolidWorks and engineering analysis.

This role requires collaboration with cross-functional teams to validate designs, build prototypes, and ensure production readiness. A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering along with 2–3 years of relevant experience is essential.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of hands-on experience in robotics mechanical design and product development.
• Experience working with electromechanical systems and hardware integration.
• Exposure to robotics, automation, defence products, or startup/SME environments is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop defence grade robotic arms and systems from concept to production.
• Perform engineering calculations and conduct FEA for design validation.
• Build and validate functional prototypes for robotic systems.

Skills

SolidWorks

Machine design fundamentals

Multi-axis mechanisms

Actuator selection

GD&T

FEA tools

Analytical thinking

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Domain: Defence – Robotics, Autonomous Systems, IoT Systems, Fire Control Systems, and Training Simulators

Mandatory Requirement:

• Pure CAD operators without system-level design exposure
• Non-robotics mechanical roles (HVAC, piping, fabrication-only, etc.)
• Candidates without hands-on prototype development experience

Job Summary

We are looking for a hands‑on Mechanical Design Engineer who can take ownership of complete product development—from concept to production—for defence grade robotic arms, pan‑tilt units, and precision electromechanical systems.

This role demands strong fundamentals in mechanism design, motion systems, actuator selection, and structural design, along with the ability to build, test, and iterate real hardware.

1. Mechanical Product Design & Development

• Design and develop defence grade robotic arms, joints, linkages, and pan‑tilt mechanisms from concept to production
• Design and develop robotic arms, pan‑tilt systems, grippers, manipulators, and precision electromechanical mechanisms
• Develop mechanisms involving joints, linkages, shafts, bearings, motion systems, and structural assemblies
• Perform subsystem design activities from concept generation through production release
• Create detailed 3D CAD models, manufacturing drawings, assemblies, and design documentation using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software
• Develop and maintain engineering drawings, BOMs, and revision‑controlled documentation
• Optimize mechanisms for stiffness, repeatability, backlash reduction, and accuracy
• Conduct FEA (static, dynamic, vibration) for critical components
• Perform engineering calculations involving static, dynamic, structural, payload, torque, inertia, centre‑of‑gravity, and stiffness analysis
• Perform kinematic layout studies, degree‑of‑freedom planning, and motion analysis for robotic mechanisms
• Select and integrate motors, actuators, gearboxes, bearings, encoders, and machine components based on system requirements
• Design motion transmission systems including gear trains, belt drives, harmonic drives, and actuator‑integrated mechanisms
• Design moving assemblies considering cable routing, packaging constraints, and serviceability

3. Design Validation, Analysis & Reliability

• Conduct FEA simulations including static, dynamic, vibration, and thermal assessments for design validation
• Analyse structural behaviour, resonance, deflection, fatigue, and failure modes of critical components
• Perform tolerance stack‑up analysis and validate designs for manufacturability and assembly
• Support DFMEA activities, reliability studies, and design risk assessments
• Consider vibration, shock loading, environmental sealing, ruggedization, and field‑operating conditions during design activities

4. Prototype Development & Testing

• Build, assemble, and validate functional prototypes for robotic systems and electromechanical products
• Develop test procedures and validation plans for subsystem and system‑level testing
• Conduct prototype testing, troubleshoot failures, identify root causes, and implement corrective actions
• Support endurance, reliability, and qualification testing activities
• Operate effectively in build‑test‑iterate development cycles

5. Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Product Industrialization

• Collaborate with electrical, embedded, software, and systems teams for complete product integration
• Work with manufacturing teams to ensure production readiness and design transfer activities
• Coordinate with vendors and suppliers for component development, sourcing, and manufacturability optimization
• Support prototype‑to‑production transition activities and DFMA implementation
• Participate in technical reviews, design discussions, and cross‑functional problem‑solving activities

Skills Required

• Strong proficiency in SolidWorks (preferred) or equivalent CAD platforms
• Strong fundamentals in machine design, mechanisms, and mechanical calculations
• Strong understanding of multi‑axis mechanisms and moving assemblies
• Working knowledge of forward and inverse kinematics principles
• Strong understanding of actuator selection including servo motors, BLDC motors, gearboxes, and motion systems
• Understanding of materials selection, machining processes, and manufacturing methods
• Working knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack‑up analysis, and engineering drawings
• Familiarity with FEA tools and simulation‑driven design validation
• Strong understanding of CNC machining (milling, turning, etc.), sheet metal design, and DFMA principles
• Good understanding of vibration, shock loading, ruggedization, and environmental sealing concepts
• Familiarity with FMEA, reliability engineering, and validation methodologies
• Strong analytical thinking, problem‑solving ability, and attention to detail

Desired Candidate Profile

• 2–3 years of hands‑on experience in robotics mechanical design and product development
• Experience working with electromechanical systems and hardware integration
• Exposure to robotics, automation, defence products, or startup/SME environments is advantageous
• Strong ownership mindset with ability to work independently on subsystem‑level responsibilities
• Ability to work effectively in fast‑paced development environments
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field