Mechanical Engineer, Dynamometer and Actuator Testing Infrastructure

Applied Methods Ltd; San Francisco, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Applied Methods Ltd. is seeking a mid-level Mechanical Engineer to design, build, and own the mechanical side of our robotic actuator dynamometer and test infrastructure.

You will create test stands, fixtures, load paths, and guarding, and collaborate with electrical and software engineers to deliver high-uptime test cells. You will perform first-principles analysis, develop modular fixturing for rapid changeovers, and manage fabrication partners to ensure durability and measurement fidelity in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Experience designing mechanical systems for robotic actuator dynamometers, robotics, automation, or high-performance hardware.
• Strong understanding of structures, load paths, shafts, bearings, couplings, fasteners, tolerances, alignment, and vibration.

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, and safety testing.

Skills

Load paths

Stiffness

Rotating machinery

Fixture design

Tolerance & alignment

Education

Bachelor's or Graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering / Robotics / Mechatronics

Tools

NX

SolidWorks

Creo

Job description

# Mechanical Engineer, Dynamometer and Actuator Testing InfrastructureMid levelResearchSan FranciscoRemoteFull-TimePosted todayUSD 22500k–31800k/yr## About the role## **About the Team**Our Robotics team is focused on unlocking general-purpose robotics and pushing towards AGI-level intelligence in dynamic, real-world settings. Working across the entire model stack, we integrate cutting-edge hardware and software to explore a broad range of robotic form factors. We strive to seamlessly blend high-level AI capabilities with the constraints of physical systems to improve peoples’ lives.## **About the Role**We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, build, and own the mechanical side of our robotic actuator dynamometer and test infrastructure. You will create the test stands, couplings, fixtures, load paths, guarding, and serviceable lab hardware that enable rigorous characterization of robotic actuators.This role combines precision mechanical design with hands-on lab work. You will take robotic actuator test infrastructure from requirements and analysis through CAD, fabrication, assembly, commissioning, and iteration, partnering closely with electrical and software engineers to deliver safe, flexible, high-uptime test cells.## **In this role, you will*** 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 robotic actuator test requirements into robust mechanical systems for torque, speed, thermal, durability, backdrive, efficiency, and failure testing.* Perform first-principles analysis and simulation for stiffness, strength, fatigue, vibration, thermal growth, critical speed, and safety factors.* Create precise, repeatable alignment strategies that protect test articles, load machines, sensors, and couplings.* Design modular fixturing that supports rapid changeover across actuator and motor variants without compromising measurement quality.* Work closely with electrical engineers on cable routing, enclosures, cooling, sensor packaging, and test-cell safety interfaces.* Work closely with software and controls engineers to define mechanical limits, safe operating envelopes, and automated-test constraints.* Build, assemble, debug, and improve test stands in the lab, using measurement and fabrication tools directly.* Develop guarding, containment, pinch-point mitigation, hard stops, and other mechanical safety systems for high-energy rotating equipment.* Manage fabrication partners and vendors for machined parts, weldments, bearings, couplings, sensors, and test-stand components.* Establish drawings, tolerance stacks, assembly procedures, inspection plans, and preventive-maintenance practices.* Use test observations and failure analysis to continuously improve durability, usability, uptime, and measurement fidelity.## **You might thrive in this role if you*** Have strong intuition for load paths, stiffness, alignment, rotating machinery, and the practical behavior of real hardware.* Enjoy designing fixtures and structures that are precise, robust, safe, and easy for others to use.* Are highly hands-on and comfortable assembling, aligning, instrumenting, and debugging test equipment.* Can move fluidly between first-principles analysis, CAD, vendor collaboration, and lab iteration.* Care about details such as tolerances, runout, resonance, thermal growth, guarding, and serviceability.* Are comfortable working in fast-moving environments with evolving test needs and aggressive technical goals.* Take ownership of the full test-stand lifecycle, from concept through reliable daily operation.* Communicate clearly across mechanical, electrical, controls, software, safety, and operations teams.* Are motivated by building infrastructure that reveals how advanced robotic actuators really perform.* Are excited to build mechanical test infrastructure that accelerates robotic actuator development.## **Preferred qualifications*** Preferred qualifications* Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field.* Experience designing mechanical systems for robotic actuator dynamometers, robotics, automation, rotating machinery, aerospace, automotive, or similar high-performance hardware.* Strong understanding of structures, load paths, shafts, bearings, couplings, fasteners, tolerances, alignment, and vibration.* Experience designing fixtures, test stands, frames, guarding, and precision mechanical interfaces.* Proficiency with CAD and drawing release workflows; NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent experience is welcome.* Experience with structural, thermal, fatigue, or modal analysis and applying results to practical hardware decisions.* Hands-on experience with assembly, machining, metrology, alignment, and troubleshooting in a lab or prototype environment.* Familiarity with mechanical safety for rotating equipment, containment, interlocks, and safe operating envelopes.