Mechanical Engineer

Socket.dev; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 114,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

401(k)

Paid parental leave

Sick time / PTO

Job summary

Pronto AI seeks a hands-on Mechanical Design Engineer to drive designs through prototype, assembly, and field installation on heavy vehicles up to 100+ tons. You will create CAD models, prepare BOMs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams for scalable hardware kits.

The role involves travel to customer sites up to 30% and developing robust testing procedures. Based in San Francisco, you will contribute to production deployments and safety improvements in real-world environments.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of non-internship mechanical design experience.
• Hands-on experience building mechanical/electrical systems.
• Automotive or heavy equipment experience preferred.
• Familiarity with 3D CAD tools.
• Willing to travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Own designs from prototype to assembly and installation.
• Develop documentation including drawings and BOMs.
• Create and refine vehicle hardware kits for new platforms.
• Develop testing/validation procedures for electromechanical systems.
• Build prototypes using rapid prototyping techniques.

Skills

Mechanical design

Field installation

Hands-on engineering

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Mechatronics

Tools

3D CAD tools

Electromechanical systems

Job description

Who we are

Pronto AI is a global leader in commercializing autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, deploying Autonomous Haulage Systems (AHS) that automate operations in mines, quarries, and construction sites worldwide. While much of the industry remains in R&D, we deliver real, production-ready autonomy that is already operating in the field. We are on a mission to make mining operations safer, smarter, and more efficient through cutting-edge technology, and we are building toward becoming the world’s first profitable AV technology company.

What you’ll do

We’re seeking exceptional mechanical engineers to help develop the Pronto Autonomous Haulage System.

You will be responsible for owning designs through prototype and assembly as well as installing systems onto vehicles as large as 100+ ton haul trucks, while developing documentation to scale installations. All aspects of the role will be very hands‑on and will involve fieldwork.

Projects could include sensor design and placement, drive‑by‑wire system hardware design, and system architecture planning. Additionally, projects may be R&D oriented for new vehicle platforms or iterating on existing designs. Some procurement and vendor management responsibilities will likely be required.

• Apply mechanical engineering principles for the development and integration of drive‑by‑wire hardware including actuators and sensors
• Travel to customer sites for development and initial installation of hardware systems (up to 30%)
• Develop bespoke solutions to customer specific problems
• Refine current hardware kits for efficient scaling
• Develop vehicle hardware kits for new platforms
• Develop 2D and 3D CAD models of mechanical and electro‑mechanical components and assemblies
• Create and maintain documentation of design solutions including reports, engineering drawings, Bills of Material, and installation instructions
• Develop testing and validation procedures for electromechanical systems
• Build prototypes using various rapid prototyping technologies (e.g. 3D print, laser cut)
• Source components and manage vendors
• Work on system level design with a cross‑functional team to develop mechanical and electro‑mechanical solutions

What we’re looking for

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a closely related field is required.
• Minimum 2+ years of non‑internship professional Mechanical Design Engineering experience.
• Automotive or heavy equipment industry experience strongly preferred
• Familiarity with robotic systems is strongly preferred
• Experience/ expertise with 3D CAD tools
• Hands on experience building mechanical and/or electrical systems; machine shop and/or fabrication experience preferred
• Experience designing for CNC machine, sheet metal fab, and 3D print
• Experience with hydraulic systems is a plus
• Ability to resolve issues during design, development and execution of mechanical engineering activities
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance is a plus (OSHA, CE, CCC, ASME related standards)

Why join us

• Work on real, production‑deployed autonomy.
• Build technology that directly improves safety, efficiency, and productivity.
• Tackle complex challenges in demanding, real‑world environments.
• Be part of a fast‑moving team with high ownership and impact.
• See your work deployed and making a difference in the field.
• Collaborate closely with experienced engineers and industry operators.

What else you need to know

This role is based in our San Franciscooffice, with occasional travel to customer sites. Pronto is a company driven by invention and continuous change - we are constantly reimagining our industries, building new products, and refining how we operate. We do our best work together. That’s why all of our office‑based teams work onsite, five days a week.

The base salary range for this role is $114,000 - $280,000 per year.

Actual compensation will be determined on an individual basis and may vary depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package. You may also be eligible for equity awards.

Benefits Summary (USA Full‑Time Exempt Employees)

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, and Life Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account / Health Savings Account Options
• 401(k)
• Equity
• Sick Time, Unlimited Flexible Time Off, and Paid Holidays
• Paid Parental Leave
• Pre‑Tax Commuter Benefit Plan
• Team lunch in our SoMa office every Tuesday and Thursday

Benefits are subject to change at the company's discretion.

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