Mechanical Engineer

HireArt, Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 83,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401k plan

Disability insurance

Life insurance

FSA eligibility

Onsite in SF

Job summary

HireArt, Inc. is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support the design, fabrication, and assembly of physical hardware in a hands-on development lab.

You will design and build mechanical components, assemble hardware systems, and document processes to aid AI training and development. You will work through the full hardware lifecycle—from design and sourcing to fabrication, testing, and iterative improvements—while ensuring high quality and repeatable processes.

Qualifications

• 2+ years hands-on experience in mechanical design and fabrication
• Strong CAD proficiency with Onshape or SolidWorks
• Experience with 3D printing and shop tools
• Knowledge of tolerances and precision measurement

Responsibilities

• Design and modify mechanical parts and assemblies using CAD software
• Fabricate components via 3D printing and light shop fabrication
• Assemble mechanisms and subsystems with fasteners and bearings
• Verify fit, tolerances, and assembly specs with measurement tools
• Document build procedures and findings with notes and photos
• Explain fabrication and assembly processes and identify design issues

Skills

Mechanical design

Fabrication

Hands-on hardware

Clear communication

Tools

Onshape

SolidWorks

Job description

HireArt is helping our client find a Mechanical Engineer to support the design, fabrication, and assembly of physical hardware systems in a hands‑on development lab.

In this role, you'll design and build mechanical components, assemble functional hardware systems, and demonstrate fabrication and assembly processes. You'll work through the full hardware development lifecycle, from design and component sourcing to fabrication, testing, and iterative improvements. Your builds, demonstrations, and documented work will also contribute to training AI systems to better understand hands‑on physical tasks.

Recording & Data Collection Notice

This role involves recording your work to support AI training and development. Lab cameras and screen recording on your work device will capture your activities. Depending on the project, you may also be asked to wear sensors, such as motion trackers or pressure‑sensing gloves, that collect biometric data. Before starting, you'll receive details about the recording and data collection requirements specific to your role, how your data will be protected, and the consent process.

As a Mechanical Engineer, you'll:

• Design and modify mechanical parts and assemblies using CAD software, including Onshape, SolidWorks, or similar tools.
• Fabricate components through 3D printing, post‑processing, and light shop fabrication using hand and power tools.
• Assemble mechanisms, frames, and subsystems using fasteners, bearings, belts, gear trains, and T‑slot framing.
• Verify component fit, tolerances, and assembly specifications using calipers and other precision measurement tools.
• Demonstrate and explain fabrication and assembly processes step by step, identifying design issues and inaccuracies in build instructions.
• Document build procedures, technical findings, and assembly steps with clear written notes and photographs to support team collaboration.

Requirements

• 2+ years of hands‑on experience in both mechanical design and fabrication, including designing and building physical components
• Strong CAD proficiency with Onshape, SolidWorks, or similar mechanical design software
• Experience with 3D printing, shop tools, mechanical assembly, and fabrication to specifications
• Knowledge of torque specifications, fits, tolerances, and precision measurement techniques
• Experience assembling mechanical components and systems using hand tools, power tools, and measuring equipment
• Proven experience building hardware through startup environments, engineering teams, or substantial independent hardware projects
• Ability to clearly explain fabrication and assembly processes while performing hands‑on technical work

Bonus Qualifications

• Experience working in a makerspace or collaborative fabrication environment
• Experience assembling actuators or gearboxes
• Experience designing or building test fixtures
• Experience teaching or training others in a shop, makerspace, or laboratory setting
• Flexible Spending Account for healthcare‑related costs
• HireArt covers all costs for short and long‑term disability and life insurance
• 401k package

Commitment

This is a full‑time, 6‑month contract position staffed via HireArt. The role is onsite and available to candidates local to the San Francisco, CA area.

HireArt values diversity and is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. Unfortunately, we are not able to sponsor visas or employ corp‑to‑corp.