Robotics Engineer, Mechatronics & Prototyping - NREC

Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits eligible employees

Tuition benefits

Free Pittsburgh bus pass

Job summary

Carnegie Mellon University’s National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) seeks a versatile Mechatronics Engineer (mechanical focus) to own the lifecycle of robotic designs, from brainstorming and modeling to assembly, wiring, and hardware-in-the-loop testing.

You’ll balance speed with engineering rigor, building quick proofs-of-concept and designing for reliability, while collaborating across interdisciplinary teams in a dynamic environment in Pittsburgh.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related field) or equivalent experience.
• 1-3 years of engineering experience.
• Strong proficiency in 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Onshape) with a portfolio of physical builds.
• Deep understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and designing for custom fabrication over relying on COTS components.
• Practical experience with mechanical assembly, hand tools, and an understanding of structural fits and tolerances.
• Functional knowledge of electronics—reading schematics, soldering, wiring harnesses, and diagnosing basic electrical faults.

Responsibilities

• Bespoke Mechanical Design: Lead the mechanical architecture and detailed design of custom robotic systems, specialized end-effectors, and unique enclosures.
• Rapid Prototyping & Fabrication: Use 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, and traditional fabrication methods to prototype concepts.
• Full Build Ownership (Assembly & Wiring): Assemble mechanical designs and route electrical wiring and wire harnesses.
• Testing & Electronics Debugging: Lead bring-up and testing; diagnose electrical issues with basic tools like multimeters and oscilloscopes.
• Scope & Explore: Interpret high-level requests, assess constraints, and communicate trade-offs before execution.

Skills

3D CAD modeling

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Onshape

Mechanical assembly

C++

Python

ROS

Soldering

Wiring harnesses

CNC machining

3D printing

Laser cutting

Electrical fault diagnosis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical/Mechatronics/Robotics or related field

Tools

CNC machining

3D printing

Laser cutting

Job description

At the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC), it is our engineers and technicians who drive the breakthroughs that define our success. Members of our technical staff collaborate closely with leadership and multidisciplinary teams to design, build, and deploy sophisticated robotic solutions that address complex challenges in industrial, commercial and government sectors. Each project benefits from their expertise, creativity, and hands-on problem-solving, fueling progress and innovation across the organization. As part of our dedicated team, you will work alongside world-class robotics professionals committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and redefining ideas into solutions for real-world applications. We foster a culture of professionalism, respect, and collaboration, offering a flexible and encouraging environment where you can sharpen your skills, lead impactful projects, and take control of your career development. We operate in the exciting space between pure academic research and full-scale commercial production. As a lean, agile robotics applied research team, we don't just assemble off-the-shelf parts-we build bespoke, intelligent robotic systems from the ground up. Our core focus lies at the intersection of mechanical design, machine vision, computing, and deep sensor integration.

Because we are a small operation, everyone here wears multiple hats. We value adaptability, curiosity, and a collaborative spirit as much as technical prowess. We are seeking a versatile Mechatronics Engineer with a heavy emphasis on mechanical design, rapid prototyping, and hands-on system integration.

In this role, your job doesn’t end at the CAD screen. You will own the lifecycle of your designs - from initial brainstorming and modeling to physical assembly, wiring, and hardware-in-the-loop testing. Many of our projects require deep exploration before a single part is machined. You will need to balance the need for speed with the appropriate level of engineering rigor, knowing when to build a quick and dirty proof-of-concept and when to design for high reliability.

Primary responsibilities are:

• Bespoke Mechanical Design: Lead the mechanical architecture and detailed design of custom robotic systems, specialized end-effector, and unique enclosures.
• Rapid Prototyping & Fabrication: Bring concepts to life quickly using 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, and traditional fabrication methods.
• Full Build Ownership (Assembly & Wiring): Physically assemble your mechanical designs and handle the neat, reliable routing of electrical wiring and wire harnesses.
• Testing & Electronics Debugging: Take a lead role in bring-up and testing. Bring a working familiarity with basic electronics debugging (using multimeters, oscilloscopes, etc.) to isolate and resolve hardware issues.
• Scope & Explore: Take ambiguous, high-level requests, investigate the constraints, and communicate technical trade-offs before diving into execution.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering (Mechanical, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related field) or equivalent experience 1-3 years of engineering experience Open to a range of experience levels (from motivated junior engineers with the right mindset to seasoned veterans). What matters most is your approach to solving problems and your willingness to get your hands dirty Strong proficiency in 3D CAD modeling (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Onshape) paired with a portfolio of physical things you have actually built. Deep understanding of materials, manufacturing processes, and designing for custom fabrication over relying solely on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components. Practical experience with mechanical assembly, hand tools, and a solid understanding of structural fits and tolerances. Functional knowledge of electronics - comfort reading schematics, soldering, fabricating wiring harnesses, and diagnosing basic electrical faults.

Other Requirements:

Experience or strong interest in Machine Vision and edge computing integration. Hands-on experience with sensor protocols (I2C, SPI, CAN) and basic microcontroller/robot programming (C++, Python, ROS). High Autonomy & Low Ego: You are comfortable with ambiguity and aren't afraid to say, "I don't know, let me look into that and map out our options." Calibrated Rigor: You know how to make efficient work of quick tasks without over-engineering, but you also know when a critical component requires strict mathematical validation. Strong Communicator: Ability to proactively work through the "exploration phase" of a project with teammates and stakeholders.

Portfolio Link:

Please provide a link to a portfolio, website, or GitHub repository showcasing physical hardware projects you have designed, built, and assembled. (Applications without a portfolio will face a significant disadvantage).

Successful pre-employment background check This position will require work on a variety of projects, including projects that involve military/defense applications and/or are funded by military/defense sponsors.

Location Pittsburgh, PA Job Function Engineering, Research and Project Scientists Position Type Staff - Regular Full Time/Part time Full time Pay Basis Salary

At Carnegie Mellon, we value the whole package when extending offers of employment. Beyond credentials, we evaluate the role and responsibilities, your valuable work experience, and the knowledge gained through education and training. We appreciate your unique skills and the perspective you bring. Your journey with us is about more than just a job; it's about finding the perfect fit for your professional growth and personal aspirations.

Carnegie Mellon University is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran.

Statement of Assurance Effective August 24, the URL for the CMU Careers site will change to https://cmu.wd115.myworkdayjobs.com/CMU.

Benefits

• Benefits eligible employees enjoy a wide array of benefits including comprehensive medical, prescription, dental, and vision insurance as well as a generous retirement savings program with employer contributions.
• Unlock your potential with tuition benefits, take well-deserved breaks with ample paid time off and observed holidays, and rest easy with life and accidental death and disability insurance.
• Additional perks include a free Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus pass, access to our Family Concierge Team to help navigate childcare needs, fitness center access, and much more!

For a comprehensive overview of the benefits available, explore our Benefits page.

Prospective Employee Disclosures

Please see Faculty Careers. For technical assistance, email HR Services or call 412-268-4600.

We are committed to providing an accessible experience throughout our recruitment process. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation at any stage of the application, interview, or hiring process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by email at [e-mail] or by phone at 412-268-5072.