Mechanical Engineer - NREC

Carnegie Mellon University; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Tuition benefits

Paid time off

Retirement savings program

Transit pass

Life and disability insurance

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) seeks a dynamic Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the design, fabrication, assembly, and testing of advanced robotic systems. The candidate will apply mechanical engineering principles across interdisciplinary teams to develop robust prototypes and validated solutions.

You will perform modeling, CAD development, and electromechanical integration while collaborating with researchers, operators, and vendors to translate

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3-5 years of related engineering experience.
• Proven track record in developing mechanical systems.
• Strong organizational, planning, and analytical skills.
• Independent judgment and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience with 3D modeling, SolidWorks preferred.

Responsibilities

• Perform research, design, develop, and test electromechanical systems for robotic applications.
• Apply design process from concept to prototype development and validation.
• Model, analyze, and simulate electromechanical systems.
• Develop CAD models and drawings of electromechanical assemblies and systems.
• Perform light fabrication, subsystem assembly, and integration.
• Formulate and perform electromechanical system tests.
• Document analyses, design, and test reports.
• Travel to support field experiments and off-site test programs.
• Interact with customers and work with subcontractors and vendors.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

3-5 years experience

3D modeling

problem-solving

interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS

CNC machining

3D printing

Job description

The National Robotics Engineering Center is seeking a dynamic Mechanical Engineer to contribute to the design of groundbreaking robotics systems. The candidate will contribute to robot design, fabrication, assembly, and testing with a solid application of mechanical engineering principles and practice. As an institution working on robotics systems, a successful candidate will keep an open mind to problem solving and reaching solutions with an interdisciplinary team. Candidates should be eager to immerse themselves in challenges and be willing to learn and apply new domain specific knowledge.

Your primary responsibilities are to:

• Perform research, design, develop, and test electromechanical systems for robotic applications
• Apply engineering design process from conceptualization to prototype development and validation
• Perform modeling, analysis, and simulation of electromechanical systems
• Develop CAD models and drawings of electromechanical assemblies and systems
• Perform light fabrication, subsystem assembly, and integration of subsystems
• Formulate and perform electromechanical system tests
• Document analyses, design, and build test reports
• Travel to support field experiments and off-site test programs
• Interact with and present to customers and work with subcontractors and vendors of technology
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in an engineering or related field, or equivalent experience
• Minimum 3-5 years of related experience in engineering
• Proven track record in developing mechanical systems
• Effective organizational, planning, and analytical skills
• Independent judgment and problem-solving abilities
• 3D modeling experience (SolidWorks preferred)

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience with Finite Element Analysis with ANSYS and/or SolidWorks Simulation
• Experience with manufacturing using modern methods including CNC mill and lathe, laser cutters, and 3D printers
• Experience specifying/selecting electrical components (motors, sensors, etc.) for robotic systems
• Knowledge of electrical circuit design
• Experience with programming for prototype development (Python, Arduino, etc.)

Why NREC?

You will have an impact in shaping the robotics revolution, collaborate with and learn from experts, and build your career in a rapidly growing field. As part of our team, you will develop solutions to solve industrial and government challenges, deploy your technology in real-world situations, work side-by-side with robotics experts, and develop an array of innovative technologies.

Have an Impact!

• Remove waste from farming = more food ( link )
• Make industrial processes environmentally friendly ( link )
• Make hazardous jobs safer ( link )
• Improve efficiency in industry & manufacturing ( link )
• Accelerate screening of pharmaceuticals ( link )

Take Control of Your Career!

• Select the career pathway that interests you
• Influence the direction of projects
• Supportive of a non-standard schedule
• Maintain work/life balance
• Switch between part-time and full-time as life demands

NREC is at the center of the robotics ecosystem in Pittsburgh, PA. With over 100 robotics companies, Pittsburgh is recognized as the Robotics Capital of the World. Geek Wire calls it Robotics Row ; others call it Roboburgh . Join the leader in the most exciting time in robotics!

Join the Best Robotics R&D Group

Join our passionate and versatile team at NREC, an operating unit within the world-renowned Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon University.

NREC has 25+ years of experience developing and deploying robots into many applications across multiple sectors, such as agriculture, mining, defense, energy, and manufacturing. We strive to provide solutions for real-world challenges where automation and robots impact efficiency and improve the safety and comfort of the labor force. Our unique expertise places us at the forefront of autonomous ground vehicle design, autonomy, sensing and perception, machine learning, machine vision, operator assistance, 3D mapping, and position estimation. With over 160 robotics professionals, we solve challenges that no other organization can.

NREC also leads in educational outreach through its Robotics Academy, which builds robotics curricula and software for K-12 and college-level students, and offers professional development certification courses and training to educators.

Opportunities people at NREC have seized:

As a member of NREC, you have the opportunity to take control of your career. People in similar roles have shaped their careers to suit their interests and their needs.

• Becoming an in-depth expert in a technical area
• Leading projects and fostering client relationships
• Receiving mentoring from senior engineers and robotics experts
• Mentoring junior engineers
• Taking courses at Carnegie Mellon
• Staying connected with academic and recreational activities at Carnegie Mellon
• Transitioned into a robotics, program management, technical lead, or software architecture roles
• Performing consulting during off time
• Outreach to K-12 and college-level students

At NREC, we value diversity, support it, and thrive with it for the benefit of our organization, our employees and our community. Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

Joining the CMU team opens the door to an array of exceptional benefits.

Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions. Unlock your potential with tuition benefits , take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays , and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.

Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access , and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page .

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it’s about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Full time