Principal Mechanical Design Engineer

Rise Robotics; Somerville (MA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity options

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k)

Paid time off

Holidays + floating holiday

Hybrid/work-from-office options

Team lunches and outings

Free parking / T accessibility

Union Square, Somerville location

Job summary

You will shape the next generation Beltdraulic actuators, leverage advanced CAD/FEA, and mentor others in a fast‑paced startup environment with strong collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years in mechanical design or R&D for electro‑mechanical systems.
• Experience with ASME Y14.5 GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Proficiency with fabrication processes (CNC, metal forming, molding).
• Knowledge of bearing, linear guides, motors, and drive train components.

Responsibilities

• Develop proof-of-concept demonstration systems from requirements to prototyping and demonstration.
• Progress mechanical systems through design gates via trade studies and reviews.
• Solve complex design and manufacturing challenges; drive cost reduction and quality improvements.
• Plan and perform statistical analyses to characterize design interactions.
• Create best practices to enable efficiencies in future hardware development.
• Communicate outcomes clearly to peers and senior management with data-driven options.
• Travel to domestic OEM partners; potential overseas travel.

Skills

Mechanical design

Electro-mechanical systems

ASME Y14.5 GD&T

3D CAD – SolidWorks

FMEA

Fabrication processes

Python / MATLAB

Cross‑functional teamwork

Startup environment experience

Education

Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

CAD suites

FEA tools

Job description

Founded in 2011 by graduates of MIT and RISD (Rhode Island School of Design), and backed by Engine Ventures, Techstars, Fortistar and Gates Corporation, RISE Robotics is leading the way to Zero Emission heavy machinery by providing the world’s most efficient and productive alternative to hydraulics.

We have partnerships with Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs and the US Department of Defense, to the transition from traditional hydraulic systems to more efficient and sustainable solutions. In the last 12 months, RISE has also launched our second-generation of Beltdraulic actuators with significantly reduced parts count, increased manufacturability and lower cost. We've also selected our first three commercial customers and are working with them to refine our design for scale.

At this pivotal point in company growth, RISE is looking for a passionate and team-oriented Senior Mechanical Engineer to join us in shaping the future of heavy duty linear actuation and heavy machinery. Your end-to-end engagement will include product development for commercial partners and the US Department of Defense, from concept through detailed design and prototype testing to progress new projects through the engineering lifecycle. You will play a key role in evolving the next generation RISE hardware, from proof of concepts through product design. This position will be onsite 4+ days/week in our Somerville office.

In This Role You Will:

• Develop proof of concept demonstration systems from requirements definition, concept design, engineering, analysis, through prototype testing and product demonstration stages prior to detailed engineering handoff
• Progress mechanical systems through design gates via trade off studies, analysis, and design reviews
• Direct activities to solve complex design and manufacturing challenges; support cost reduction and yield improvement efforts; and invent and commercialize new technologies
• Plan and perform statistical analyses to characterize process and design interactions
• Generate best practices guidelines and documentation to enable efficiencies in future hardware development and launch activities
• Drive clear and accurate communications and recommendations to peers and senior management by distilling complex technical challenges, outlining options, and providing supporting data
• Travel to domestic OEM partners, with small potential for overseas travel

Qualifications

• 10+ years experience as either a Mechanical Design Engineer or similar role, directly contributing to R&D or Product Development involving complex, electro‑mechanical system development and integration
• A Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related engineering discipline
• Proven technical aptitude and experience with electro‑mechanical design and related manufacturing processes that might include: complex mechanical assemblies; rotating machinery; tolerance studies; design for assembly / manufacturing; EE and ME component and material selection; FMEA; design for life
• Experience with fabrication processes, such as metal forming & CNC, injection molding, adhesives, composites, and complex mechanisms
• Demonstrated working knowledge of ASME Y14.5 GD&T
• Proficiency with 3D design tools like SolidWorks and other CAD suites; knowledge about CAD design best practices, such as master modeling vs in‑context design, etc. (SolidWorks knowledge is a plus but not required if demonstrated an ability for rapid software onboarding)
• Knowledge and demonstrated experience with FEA analysis and verification of results
• Proven troubleshooting skills and structured problem‑solving approach
• Experience leveraging manufacturing data to identify design and assembly issues and subsequently drive continuous quality
• Working knowledge of bearings, linear guides, electric motors and drive train and rotating machinery component selection
• Some programming experience in Python, MATLAB, LabView or other data acquisition and testing experience
• Understanding of FEA for linear and nonlinear materials and experience with exploring the design space via parameter optimization
• Experience working cross‑functionally in a dynamic, high tech, startup environment
• Experience with lifecycle testing
• Hands‑on experience with CNC, mills, lathes, drill presses, etc
• Must be comfortable working on products for the US Department of Defense

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package, including equity options.
• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Blue Cross Blue Shield health
• 401(k) program
• Twenty PTO days, ten office holidays, and one floating holiday.
• Flexible/hybrid work options
• Weekly lunches and company outings (holiday parties, milestone celebrations)
• Free parking / T Accessible
• Located in Union Square

RISE Robotics is an equal‑opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.