Mechanical Engineer: Actuator Dyno & Test Infrastructure

OpenAI; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 225,000 - 318,000; Full time

Job summary

OpenAI is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, build, and own the mechanical side of our dynamometer and actuator testing infrastructure in San Francisco. You will create test stands, fixtures, load paths, guarding, and serviceable lab hardware for rigorous actuator characterization.

This role blends precision mechanical design with hands-on lab work, from CAD through fabrication, assembly, commissioning, and iteration, in close partnership with electrical and software engineers to deliver

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics (or related field).
• Experience designing mechanical systems for dynamometers, robotics, or high-performance hardware.
• Proficiency with CAD and drawing release workflows (NX, SolidWorks, Creo or equivalent).
• Experience with structural, thermal, fatigue, or modal analysis and applying results to hardware decisions.
• Hands-on assembly, machining, metrology, alignment, and troubleshooting in a lab or prototype setting.

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical architecture of dynamometer and actuator test cells, including frames, bases, load paths, alignment, guarding, and serviceability.
• Design dynamometer structures, robotic actuator fixtures, load-motor mounts, couplings, shafts, bearings, adapters, and torque-reaction hardware.
• Translate test requirements into robust mechanical systems for torque, speed, thermal, durability, backdrive, and safety testing.
• Perform first-principles analysis and simulation for stiffness, strength, fatigue, vibration, and safety factors.
• Create repeatable alignment strategies to protect test articles and sensors.
• Design modular fixturing for rapid changeover across actuator variants while maintaining measurement quality.
• Work with electrical engineers on cable routing, enclosures, cooling, sensor packaging, and safety interfaces.
• Collaborate with software/controls to define mechanical limits and safe operating envelopes.
• Build, assemble, debug, and improve test stands using measurement and fabrication tools.

Skills

Mechanical design

Hands-on machining

Fixture design

Test-stand integration

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's or graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

OpenAI is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, build, and own the mechanical side of our dynamometer and actuator testing infrastructure in San Francisco. You will create test stands, fixtures, load paths, guarding, and serviceable lab hardware for rigorous actuator characterization.

This role blends precision mechanical design with hands-on lab work, from CAD through fabrication, assembly, commissioning, and iteration, in close partnership with electrical and software engineers to deliver