Principal Mechanical Engineer – Cell Hardware

Symbotic; Wilmington (MA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 206,800; Full time

Job summary

Symbotic is seeking a highly talented principal mechanical engineer to join our Core Hardware Engineering team. You will contribute to the conceptualization, prototyping, detailed design, and release of complex electromechanical systems, leveraging SolidWorks and simulations to deliver robust, manufacturable solutions.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and 15+ years hands-on design experience, with strong background in robotics/automation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering.
• Minimum of 15 years of hands-on design experience.
• Industrial robotics, automation, and material handling experience is strongly preferred.
• SolidWorks proficiency is desired.
• Experience with FEA (SolidWorks Simulation and/or Ansys) is desired.
• Experience designing parts for manufacturing: machining, casting, sheet metal, plastics, fabricated assemblies, etc.
• Strong mechanical intuition and hands-on prototyping ability.
• Effective communication skills, written and verbal.
• Willingness to travel up to 10%.
• Driver's license to travel to client locations.

Responsibilities

• Invent novel, elegant, and reliable solutions for highly integrated hardware systems.
• Contribute to conception, analysis, prototyping, detailed design and validation of complex electromechanical systems using SolidWorks.
• Perform feasibility analyses and recommend viable concepts.
• Create quantitative trade studies to evaluate designs and identify optimum solutions.
• Provide technical direction and leadership of external design partners and suppliers.
• Perform and document mechanical analysis of designs and tolerance analysis per ANSI Y14.5.
• Create and manage BOMs and ECNs in Siemens Teamcenter PLM.
• Assist in prototyping, testing, troubleshooting and design changes.
• Define test protocols and conduct testing to validate safety and effectiveness of designs.
• Help build program plans and schedules to achieve milestones.
• Collaborate across EE/Controls, Manufacturing, and Supply Chain teams.
• Present project status and lead design reviews.

Skills

Hands-on design

SolidWorks

FEA

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

SolidWorks Simulation

Ansys

Job description

Principal Mechanical Engineer - Cell Hardware

Time type: full time
Posted on: June 22, 2026
Job requisition id: R7424

What we need

Symbotic is seeking a highly talented principal mechanical engineer to join our Core Hardware Engineering team. In this role, you will be part of a team for conceptualization, prototyping, detailed design, and commercial release of complex electromechanical systems. You will have exceptional mechanical design intuition and creativity demonstrated by previous accomplishments. You have the self‑management skills and independent judgement to efficiently arrive at an optimized design. You pride yourself on your communication skills across the organization. You can organize yourself and others and overcome obstacles in your path to success. You are a consummate team player.

What we do

The Cell Engineering team at Symbotic develops robotic work cells and automation equipment that enable us to palletize, depalletize, and manipulate products and cases. The team develops equipment in‑house but also works with third‑party suppliers and design partners to specify complete material handling solutions. The ideal candidate has a background in mechanical, electrical, or robotics engineering, with hands‑on experience in machinery design, integration, and safety compliance.

What you’ll do

• Invent novel, elegant, and reliable solutions for highly integrated hardware systems
• Contribute to the conception, analysis, prototyping, detailed design and validation of complex electromechanical systems using SolidWorks
• Perform feasibility analyses and make recommendations on viability of concepts
• Create quantitative trade studies to evaluate designs and identify optimum solutions
• Contribute innovations that satisfy customers’ needs and enable new market opportunities
• Research outside sources, evaluate and validate mechanical components such as motors, sensors, bearings, etc. from outside suppliers
• Provide technical direction, review, and leadership of external design partners and suppliers
• Perform and document mechanical analysis of your designs
• Perform tolerance analysis on complex mechanical assemblies and create mechanical drawings in accordance with ANSI Y14.5 standards
• Create and manage Bill of Materials (BOMs) and Engineering Change Notices (ECNs) in Siemens Teamcenter PLM
• Assist in assembling prototypes, testing, troubleshooting and implementing design changes
• Define protocols, write test plans and conduct the necessary testing required to validate the safety and effectiveness of the design(s)
• Assist in building program plans and schedules to achieve milestones
• Work seamlessly with cross‑functional colleagues from EE/Controls, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and others
• Communicate project status, chair design reviews and present to colleagues and product owners
• Provide design guidance and feedback on colleagues’ work
• Mentor junior engineering staff on team

What you’ll need

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering
• Minimum of 15 years of work experience in a hands‑on design role
• Industrial robotics, automation, and material handling experience is strongly preferred
• Full proficiency with SolidWorks is desired
• A demonstrated level of experience using FEA (SolidWorks Simulation and/or Ansys) is desired
• Experience in designing parts for a variety of manufacturing processes: machining, casting, sheet metal, plastics, fabricated assemblies, etc.
• Strong mechanical intuition and hands‑on approach to conceptualizing and prototyping
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Desire to take initiative and thrive in a fast‑paced environment is essential
• Up to 10% of travel may be required. Employees must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive and/or fly to client and other customer locations.
• The employee is responsible for owning a credit card and managing expenses personally to be reimbursed on a bi‑weekly basis.

The base range for this position in the posted location is $150,000.00 - $206,800.00. The compensation package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, 401K, PTO and/or other benefits.