Founding Mechanical Engineer — Robotics for Heavy Construction

Stratarobot; Sunnyvale (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Strata is seeking a Founding Mechanical Engineer to design, test, and deploy the v1 robot for heavy outdoor construction work. You will own subsystems end-to-end—from concept through field deployment—working closely with the CTO and early team to deliver reliable hardware for rugged environments.

You will apply first-principles calculations, FEA, and DFx, source parts with vendors, develop tests, and iterate quickly in a fast-paced startup setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• 3+ years designing, building, and testing complex hardware systems.

Responsibilities

• Own subsystems end-to-end—from concept to field deployment—working with the CTO and early team.
• Define requirements for a robot operating in rugged, dirty, hazardous environments and multi-ton loads.
• Perform first-principles calculations and FEA to size structures and hydraulics under real-world loading.
• Run motion studies, interference checks, and tolerance stack-ups to validate designs before parts are cut.
• Apply DFx and stay hands-on through first builds, sourcing parts and coordinating with vendors.
• Create manufacturing and assembly drawings with GD&T per ASME Y14.5.
• Develop and execute hardware test plans including environmental/qualification testing.

Skills

End-to-end subsystem ownership

Rugged high-payload hardware

Hydraulic/fluid power systems

Hands-on prototyping

System test planning

Startup environment adaptability

Design-for-manufacturing (DFx)

First-principles calculations

FEA / hand calculations

Partner with vendors/suppliers

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Siemens NX

CAD/3D Modeling

GD&T

Job description

Strata is seeking a Founding Mechanical Engineer to design, test, and deploy the v1 robot for heavy outdoor construction work. You will own subsystems end-to-end—from concept through field deployment—working closely with the CTO and early team to deliver reliable hardware for rugged environments.

You will apply first-principles calculations, FEA, and DFx, source parts with vendors, develop tests, and iterate quickly in a fast-paced startup setting.