Principal Mechatronics Engineer

Outrider; Henderson (CO); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Equity

Health Insurance

Vision Insurance

FSA

HSA

Short-Term Disability

Long-Term Disability

Life insurance

Professional Development

Job summary

Outrider, the pioneer in autonomous yard operations for logistics hubs, seeks a Principal Mechatronics Engineer to own the full lifecycle of our robotic arm and end effectors. You will shape mechanical architecture from concept to field deployment and set engineering standards across the team.

This hands-on leadership role requires deep expertise in electromechanical systems, reliability, and mentoring engineers.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in hardware/software integrated systems such as robotics or automated hardware.
• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field.
• Experience owning mechanical system architecture end-to-end from requirements to field deployment.
• Expertise in machined parts, weldments, sheet metal with GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Experience applying DFM to machined parts, sheet metal, weldments, and cast components.
• Experience leading reliability programs (FMEA, RCA) on fielded hardware.
• Proficiency with FEA to guide design decisions.
• Experience with robotic manipulator design and actuation selection.
• Experience designing hardware for outdoor environments (IP, thermal cycling, vibration).
• Familiarity with Python and/or C++ for validation.
• Knowledge of IEC 61508 / ISO 26262 safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical architecture of advanced robotic manipulation, including end effector, actuation, and hardware systems, from requirements definition through design, validation, and field release.
• Define and maintain engineering standards for CAD, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and documentation across the mechanical team.
• Apply design for manufacturability (DFM) principles throughout the design process, collaborating with vendors and contract manufacturers to ensure designs are producible, cost-effective, and scalable from prototype to production volumes.
• Lead design reviews and provide technical mentorship to Mechanical Engineer I/II team members.
• Partner with software, electrical, and systems engineering teams to define HW/SW interface requirements and ensure integrated system performance.
• Evaluate and select vendors and components; lead supplier development efforts for critical or custom hardware.
• Lead reliability initiatives, including failure mode analysis (FMEA/FTA), design for reliability, and systematic corrective action to improve durability, safety, and lifecycle cost across the fleet.
• Identify and resolve systemic mechanical risks across the product line before they reach the field.

Skills

Integrated hardware/software systems

Mechanical design

GD&T and tolerance analysis

FMEA / reliability programs

Python or C++ for test automation

PDM systems

Sensor integration

Mentoring engineers

Education

BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

CAD software

FEM/FEA software

PDM systems

Sensor/electrical interfaces tools

Job description

Outrider, the pioneer in autonomous yard operations for logistics hubs, helps large enterprises improve safety and increase efficiency. The only company exclusively focused on automating all aspects of yard operations, Outrider eliminates manual tasks that are hazardous and repetitive. Outrider’s mission is to drive the rapid adoption of sustainable freight transportation by deploying zero-emission systems. Outrider is a private company backed by NEA, 8VC, Koch Disruptive Technologies, and other top-tier investors.

The Role

The Principal Mechatronics Engineer will report to the Senior Manager of Hardware Engineering and will own the full lifecycle—design, prototyping, DFX, and production—of our next-generation robotic arm and end effectors for advanced manipulation. This role owns mechanical architecture from concept through field deployment, setting engineering standards and driving design decisions that shape the reliability and scalability of the product.

This is a high-impact, hands‑on technical leadership role for an engineer who thrives at the intersection of rigorous analysis and practical field reality. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in electromechanical systems, a strong reliability and durability mindset, and the ability to mentor and elevate a team of mechanical engineers.

This role is mission‑critical for helping deliver a safety‑critical system for industrial automation. It offers a technical, hands‑on team member the chance to help develop a market‑defining enterprise product that combines autonomous vehicle technology with a software‑as‑a‑service (SaaS) business model.

The ideal candidate will embrace our goal to drive zero‑emission, self‑driving vehicle adoption, and help us realize our potential to define, build, and lead a new category of robotic automation for the enterprise.

This role is based in Denver, CO. Hybrid/remote candidates will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical architecture of advanced robotic manipulation, including end effector, actuation, and hardware systems, from requirements definition through design, validation, and field release
• Define and maintain engineering standards for CAD, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and documentation across the mechanical team
• Apply design for manufacturability (DFM) principles throughout the design process, collaborating with vendors and contract manufacturers to ensure designs are producible, cost-effective, and scalable from prototype to production volumes
• Lead design reviews and provide technical mentorship to Mechanical Engineer I/II team members
• Partner with software, electrical, and systems engineering teams to define HW/SW interface requirements and ensure integrated system performance
• Evaluate and select vendors and components; lead supplier development efforts for critical or custom hardware
• Lead reliability initiatives, including failure mode analysis (FMEA/FTA), design for reliability, and systematic corrective action to improve durability, safety, and lifecycle cost across the fleet
• Identify and resolve systemic mechanical risks across the product line before they reach the field

Required Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience with integrated hardware/software systems such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other industrial automation products
• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline
• Demonstrated experience owning mechanical system architecture end-to-end, including requirements, design, analysis, and validation
• Deep expertise in designing and documenting machined parts, weldments, sheet metal, and assemblies with full GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
• Experience applying DFM principles to machined parts, sheet metal, weldments, and molded or cast components, with demonstrated ability to reduce part complexity and manufacturing cost without compromising performance
• Experience leading reliability programs—FMEA, root cause analysis, corrective action—on fielded hardware systems
• Proficiency with FEA and the ability to guide others in applying simulation to design decisions
• Experience with PDM systems and formal part release processes
• Experience designing and integrating sensors into electromechanical systems
• Track record of mentoring engineers and raising the technical quality of a team
• Experience with robotic manipulator design, including joint design, linkage synthesis, and actuation selection
• Experience designing hardware for hardened outdoor environments (ingress protection, thermal cycling, vibration, shock)
• Familiarity with cable harness design and sensor wiring in integrated systems
• Working knowledge of Python and/or C++ for test automation or hardware-in-the-loop validation
• Familiarity with functional safety standards (IEC 61508, ISO 26262, or similar) in the context of safety-critical hardware design

Benefits and Compensation

• Relocation assistance offered
• Equity: equity package commensurate on experience and skills
• Health Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Short-Term Disability
• Long-Term Disability
• Life insurance
• Professional Development Benefits

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

As set forth in Outrider’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.