Mechatronics Engineer: Build & Test Food-Prep Systems

Vebu Inc; Gardena (CA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Vebu Inc. is hiring a Mechatronics Engineer in California to design, prototype, test, and troubleshoot electromechanical systems for automated kitchen solutions. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams on design, validation, and production handoff, ensuring safety and quality standards.

The role requires hands-on development, CAD proficiency (SolidWorks), and experience with ROS2 or similar middleware; familiarity with mechanical and electrical interfaces is essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's with 5 years of experience or Master's with 3 years in Mechatronics, Mechanical Eng, Robotics, or related field.
• Hands-on product development experience, preferably in start-ups.
• Proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks) and GD&T.
• Experience with actuator hardware, motors, gears; hydraulic/pneumatic knowledge is advantageous.
• Familiarity with C++ and Python; networking protocols (Modbus/Profibus); ROS2 or similar middleware; simulators like Isaac Sim / Gazebo a plus.

Responsibilities

• Systems Conceptualization, Design & Integration: design, build, and test mechatronics-based systems from concept to prototyping and production planning.
• Documentation & Compliance: create design specs, reports, ensure safety/quality standards compliance.
• Engineering Analysis: perform calculations, simulations (FEA, Tolerance Stack, Reliability) for design validation.
• Testing and Validation: build test rigs, instrument systems, collect data with Raspberry Pi/Arduino; script in C++/Python.
• Manufacturing Support & Handoff: prepare BOMs and drawings following DFM/ DFA principles.

Skills

SolidWorks

GD&T

C++

Python

Mechatronics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics/related

Master's degree in Mechatronics/related

Tools

SolidWorks

ROS2

Gazebo

FEA

Job description

For cash compensation, we set standard ranges for all U.S.-based roles based on function, level and geographic location, benchmarked against similar growth companies. Final offer amounts are determined by multiple factors, including geographic location, candidate experience, and expertise, and may vary from the amounts listed above.

Vebu Inc. is transforming the food industry through automation solutions designed to address labor shortages, rising operational costs, and consistency challenges. We develop robotic systems for commercial kitchens, including automation for food preparation tasks deployed with leading QSR brands, alongside computer vision software that helps operators better understand and optimize back-of-house performance.With a team spanning engineering, robotics, and AI, we are focused on building practical, scalable technologies that help humans do more.

The Mechatronics Engineer will focus on the design, engineering, prototype building, testing, and troubleshooting of electromechanical systems. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, manages time well, is accountable, and can work both collaboratively and autonomously with minimum supervision.

Responsibilities

• Systems Conceptualization, Design & Integration: Design, build, and test mechatronics-based systems, bringing concepts to life from initial design through prototyping and production planning. Fab shop experience like building wiring harnesses, metal working machinery is a plus.
• Documentation & Compliance: Create detailed design specifications, engineering reports, and ensure all mechatronic systems comply with industry safety and quality standards.
• Engineering Analysis: Conducting necessary engineering calculations, simulations (such as FEA, Tolerance Stack analysis, Reliability modeling) to validate the integrity, performance, and manufacturability of the proposed designs.
• Testing and Validation: Build test fixtures and rigs—often using Raspberry Pi and Arduino—and instrument systems for data collection. Ability to use instruments like oscilloscopes, configure microcontrollers, developing test scripts in C++, Python.
• Manufacturing Support & Handoff: Leverage Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) principles to prepare comprehensive production release packages, including detailed Bills of Materials (BOMs) and technical drawings.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's with 5 years of experience or Master's degree with 3 years of experience in Mechatronics, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related technical field.
• Prior experience in a hands-on product development team, preferably in start-ups.
• Proficiency in CAD software particularly SolidWorks, and in GD&T.
• Experience and strong knowledge of actuator hardware, kinematic systems including motors, gears, vibration systems. Experience with hydraulic and pneumatic systems is advantageous.
• Comfort with basic scripting using C++ and Python. Familiarity with networking protocols such as Modbus / Profibus. Experience with ROS2 or other robotics middleware frameworks and simulators like Isaac Sim / Gazebo are a plus.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

Physical requirements and work environment expectations vary by position. Generally, roles at Vebu may involve moderate noise, occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions, and, depending on the role, work around airborne particles and electrical components. Physical activities may include standing, walking, sitting, kneeling, crouching, or crawling, as well as the use of hands, arms, and voice communication. Some roles may require lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds. Vision requirements may include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus.