Senior Mechanical Engineer

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Flexible paid time off

Catered lunch

Job summary

A robotics startup in San Francisco is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design and build mechatronic components for automation. You'll lead the full development lifecycle, from prototyping to full system integration, within a collaborative environment. The ideal candidate has significant experience in mechanical design or robotics and a strong command of tools like SolidWorks. Competitive salary, early-stage equity, and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in mechanical design or robotics.
• Expert-level in CAD, CAM, solid modeling, surface modeling, and sheet metal.
• Deep knowledge of FEA, risk analysis, solid mechanics, and simulation.
• Expert‑level SolidWorks: CAD, CAM, solid modeling, surface modeling, and sheet metal.
• Strong command of fabrication drawings, 2D drawings, and GD&T.
• Experience owning the full product cycle — from concept to production release and redesign.

Responsibilities

• Design and build mechatronic components for robotics.
• Drive systems integration from individual components to full systems.
• Work hands-on in the lab to prototype and iterate.
• Collaborate with software and design teams for production-ready solutions.
• Source materials for system designs and coordinate with vendors.
• Conduct testing processes and reliability studies.

Skills

SolidWorks

Mechanical design

Robotics

Prototyping

Systems integration

Vendor coordination

Education

BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field

Tools

SolidWorks

FEA software (e.g., ANSYS)

Job description

Chef Robotics is accelerating the deployment of intelligent machines in the physical world, starting with food production—a sector facing the largest labor shortage in the U.S., with 1.14M unfilled jobs today and 3.1M projected by 2030. These roles cannot be offshored, making robotics essential to keeping production onshore and strengthening America’s manufacturing base. Backed by investors like Kleiner Perkins, Construct, Bloomberg Beta, and Promus Ventures, and supported by a world‑class team from companies such as Cruise, Zoox, Google, Tesla, and Amazon Robotics, Chef is rapidly scaling with multiple multi‑year contracts and a mission to put an intelligent robot in every commercial kitchen.

About The Role

Robots are transforming how the world makes food — and you'll be building the hands that do it. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Chef, you'll design and ship the mechatronic components that power our robotic systems, from clever end effectors to full manipulation systems. You'll own the full development lifecycle: rapid prototyping, lab testing, systems integration, and vendor coordination. If you want your mechanical designs deployed in commercial kitchens across the country, this is your role.

What You’ll Do

• Design and build mechatronic components for automated control systems and robotics, with a strong focus on end effectors and manipulation systems
• Drive systems integration — taking individual components all the way to a full, functioning robotic system
• Work hands‑on in our lab: prototype fast, test hard, and iterate until it ships
• Partner closely with software, electrical, and industrial design teams to build solutions that are both elegant and production‑ready
• Source and coordinate with vendors to identify and procure the right materials for mechatronic system designs
• Build robust testing processes, conduct reliability studies, and evaluate the feasibility, cost, and performance of new mechatronic equipment

What You Bring

• You've shipped hardware to production — and you know what it really takes
• BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• 5+ years of hands‑on experience in mechanical design or robotics
• Expert‑level SolidWorks: CAD, CAM, solid modeling, surface modeling, and sheet metal
• Strong command of fabrication drawings, 2D drawings, and GD&T
• Experience owning the full product cycle — from first concept through production release and redesign
• Deep knowledge of FEA, risk analysis, solid mechanics, and heat and stress transfer simulation

Chef is an early‑stage startup where equity is a major part of the compensation package. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

In addition to salary and early‑stage equity, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, commuter benefits, flexible paid time off (PTO), catered lunch, and 401(k) matching.