Mechanical Engineer (AI Data Collection)

Collaborative Robots; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Collaborative Robots is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Engineer to maintain and improve data collection rigs, teleoperation setups, and fixtures. You will diagnose mechanical, electrical, and cabling issues to reduce downtime and partner with engineers to drive design improvements.

The role requires a BS in Mechanical Engineering, 1+ year electromechanical hardware experience, and proficiency in SolidWorks. Occasional travel is expected in a fast-paced startup environment.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Hands-on 1+ year experience building or maintaining electromechanical hardware (internships/counts).
• Working proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or similar).
• Willing to travel occasionally.

Responsibilities

• Keep the data collection rig fleet healthy and running, including teleoperation leader/follower setups, fixtures, and supporting hardware.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and cabling issues quickly to minimize downtime for the data collection team.
• Build, modify, and improve rigs and fixtures using 80/20 framing, machined and printed parts, brackets, mounts, and cable management.
• Track recurring failures and drive improvements back into rig design and spares strategy.
• Support bring-up of new rigs and workcells as data collection scales.
• Partner with the data collection program manager and technicians to prioritize repairs and improvements.
• Take on mechanical design tasks with the core engineering team as you grow, supporting robot development programs

Skills

Mechanical design

Electromechanical hardware

Excellent communication

Troubleshooting

Rapid prototyping

Teamwork

Start-up mentality

Python scripting

Soldering & crimping

Cable and connector handling

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

3D printing

Python

Job description

• Keep the data collection rig fleet healthy and running, including teleoperation leader/follower setups, fixtures, and supporting hardware
• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and cabling issues quickly to minimize downtime for the data collection team
• Build, modify, and improve rigs and fixtures using 80/20 framing, machined and printed parts, brackets, mounts, and cable management
• Track recurring failures and drive improvements back into rig design and spares strategy
• Support bring-up of new rigs and workcells as data collection scales
• Partner with the data collection program manager and technicians to prioritize repairs and improvements
• Take on mechanical design tasks with the core engineering team as you grow, supporting robot development programs

Requirements

• Willing to occasionally travel
• Highly motivated teammate with excellent oral and written communication skills
• Working proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or similar)
• Must have and maintain US work authorization
• Comfortable with hand tools, basic electrical troubleshooting, connectors, and cabling
• BS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• 1+ years of hands-on experience building or maintaining electromechanical hardware. Internships, research labs, and robotics competition experience count
• Enjoy working in a fast paced, collaborative and dynamic start-up environment as part of a small team
• Demonstrated passion for robotics through personal projects, FIRST or similar competitions, or research work
• Experience with robot arms, teleoperation setups, or motion systems
• Basic scripting ability (Python or similar) for debugging and small tools
• Experience soldering, crimping, and repairing cable assemblies
• Familiarity with rapid prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting, basic machining)