Mechanical Engineer (Hands Team)

Foundation Robotics Lab; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Foundation Robotics Lab, located in San Francisco, is seeking talented engineers and scientists to tackle complex challenges in robotics hardware, including mechanical design and prototyping of humanoid robotic hands. Candidates should have a strong foundation in mechanical engineering, a self-starter attitude, and experience with creating reliable products. Understanding manufacturing processes and hands-on prototyping is essential. Join us to impact labor-intensive industries while reducing human risks.

Qualifications

• Proven record of creating reliable products at industrial scale.
• Strong foundation in mechanical engineering with practical application.
• Experience with tendon-driven systems and/or space-constrained mechanisms is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Tackle hard unsolved problems in robotics hardware.
• Design and develop mechanical architectures for humanoid robotic hands.
• Prototype, test, and iterate hand designs for durability and strength.
• Conduct stress, fatigue, and failure analysis.
• Select materials based on properties like strength and flexibility.

Skills

Mechanical engineering principles

Hands-on experience in robotics or automotive

Understanding of manufacturing processes

Self-starter with accountability

Experience with complex assemblies

Familiarity with control systems

Hands-on prototyping experience

Job description

Our mission is to create advanced robots that can operate in complex environments, reducing human risk in conflict zones and enhancing efficiency in labor-intensive industries.

We are on the lookout for extraordinary engineers and scientists to join our team. Your previous experience in robotics isn't a prerequisite — it's your talent and determination that truly count.

We expect that many of our team members will bring diverse perspectives from various industries and fields. We are looking for individuals with a proven record of exceptional ability and a history of creating things that work.

All positions are based in San Francisco.

Our Culture

We like to be frank and honest about who we are, so that people can decide for themselves if this is a culture they resonate with. Please read more about our culture here https://foundation.bot/culture.

Why are We Hiring for this Role

• Tackle the hardest unsolved problem in robotics hardware: human-like dexterous manipulation in the real world
• Design and develop mechanical architectures for humanoid robotic hands, including joints, structures, and tendon-driven actuation systems.
• Design/select and integrate tendons, actuators, routing hardware, transmission mechanisms and electronics in extremely space-constrained environments
• Prototype, test, and iterate hand designs to meet strength, dexterity, durability, and manufacturability goals
• Conduct stress, fatigue, and failure analysis
• Select materials for tendons and structures (hard and soft) based on a variety of criteria: strength, friction, flexibility, wear resistance.
• Evaluate materials for flexibility, grip, and wear resistance, including soft materials where applicable

What Kind of Person are We Looking For

• Shipped hard-to-build, hard-to-make-reliable products at industrial scale
• Self starter, high accountability and high sense of ownership of their work
• Strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles and hands‑on experience in robotics, automotive, or a related field
• Experience with complex assemblies and kinematic systems under tight spatial constraints
• Understanding of manufacturing processes (CNC machining, injection molding, stamping, additive manufacturing, etc.)
• Familiarity with control systems and mechatronics
• Hands‑on prototyping experience
• Plus: Prior experience with tendon‑driven systems and/or highly space‑constrained moving mechanisms
• Plus: Experience integrating sensors (force, position, tactile) into mechanical systems