Robotics CAE Engineer - Structural & Dynamics Lead

Mind Robotics; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Mind Robotics in Palo Alto is seeking a CAE Engineer to own the structural integrity of the robot from napkin sketch to mass production, covering arms, torso, base, and end effectors, and ensuring robust performance under real world loads.

You will build FE models, perform linear/non-linear static and dynamic analyses, modal and shock assessments, and use MBD tools to derive load cases that feed fatigue analyses, always correlating predictions with physical tests.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience performing structural FEA on complex electromechanical systems.
• Strong first-principles fundamentals in stress/strain, structural dynamics, and vibration with hand calculations.
• Proficiency in linear and non-linear static, dynamic, and modal simulation using Abaqus, Ansys, OptiStruct/HyperWorks, Nastran, or LS-DYNA.
• Experience with MBD tools (Adams, Simpack, or similar) and scripting (Python, MATLAB) for load derivation and workflow automation.
• Track record of correlating FE models against physical test data and driving design changes from the results.
• Hands-on problem-solving approach with the ability to iterate quickly.
• Comfort with ambiguity, move fast, and have an "engineering curiosity" that drives you to understand how the entire system works, not just your part.

Responsibilities

• Own structural CAE across the robot from concept through production validation.
• Build and analyze FE models from component level to full-system assemblies.
• Perform dynamic analyses - modal, frequency response, transient, and shock / impact.
• Use multibody dynamics (MBD) to derive structural load cases and feed them into FE and fatigue analyses.
• Own the arm and torso stiffness budget and predict tip deflection and torsional compliance.
• Correlate models with physical test (strain gauges, accelerometers, modal testing) and establish modeling standards.

Skills

Structural analysis

Dynamic analysis

Problem-solving

Engineering curiosity

Ambiguity tolerance

Education

Tools

Abaqus

Ansys

OptiStruct

HyperWorks

Nastran

LS-DYNA

Adams

Simpack

Python

MATLAB

Job description

Mind Robotics in Palo Alto is seeking a CAE Engineer to own the structural integrity of the robot from napkin sketch to mass production, covering arms, torso, base, and end effectors, and ensuring robust performance under real world loads.

You will build FE models, perform linear/non-linear static and dynamic analyses, modal and shock assessments, and use MBD tools to derive load cases that feed fatigue analyses, always correlating predictions with physical tests.