Robotics Mechanical Engineer – Field-Ready Prototyping

Kovari; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kovari in San Francisco seeks a hands-on Mechanical Designer to own robotic systems from concept to field deployment. You will select actuators, design drivetrains and enclosures, and run prototyping in our in-house shop, ensuring robust performance in real-world operations.

Sample responsibilities include sizing parts via load and tolerance analyses, integrating motors, and driving manufacturing readiness while collaborating with vendors and operators in live settings.

Qualifications

• Strong mechanical fundamentals with emphasis on GD&T and tolerance analysis.
• Experience designing actuated or mobile mechanisms.
• Proficient CAD skills in SolidWorks, Fusion, or Onshape.
• Hands-on fabrication experience with mills, lathes, welding, or sheet metal.
• Portfolio of personal builds or projects.
• Bias toward rapid prototyping, testing, and iterative fixes.

Responsibilities

• Own mechanical design of robots, from actuator selection to field-ready assembly.
• Design drivetrain, structure, actuation, linkages, and enclosures.
• Select and integrate motors, gearboxes, bearings, and actuators.
• Run load, stress, and tolerance analysis to size parts and predict failure.
• Build prototypes in-house and drive manufacturing readiness.
• Design for manufacturing, serviceability, and field reliability.
• Debug failures on deployed robots and loop feedback into design.
• Manage vendors for machined, sheet metal, and molded parts.

Skills

Mechanical fundamentals

Actuated/mobile mechanisms

CAD proficiency

Hands-on fabrication

Portfolio of projects

Bias toward action

Bonus: robotics/build team experience

Tools

SolidWorks

Fusion 360

Onshape

Job description

Kovari in San Francisco seeks a hands-on Mechanical Designer to own robotic systems from concept to field deployment. You will select actuators, design drivetrains and enclosures, and run prototyping in our in-house shop, ensuring robust performance in real-world operations.

Sample responsibilities include sizing parts via load and tolerance analyses, integrating motors, and driving manufacturing readiness while collaborating with vendors and operators in live settings.