Senior Mechanical Engineer (Actuators)

Foundation Robotics Labs Inc.; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Foundation Robotics Labs Inc. in San Francisco is building the next generation of rotary actuators for humanoid robots. We seek highly technical engineers and scientists who can contribute from concept through production, owning the hardware they create.

You will work with experts across electrical, motor design, controls, embedded systems and manufacturing to push torque density, efficiency and reliability while prioritizing manufacturability and design aesthetics.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of design experience in precision mechanical assemblies.
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics.
• Strong fundamentals in statics, dynamics, and controls; electromagnetism.
• Experience with thermal analysis, FEA, and 3D CAD in a professional setting.
• Familiarity with electric motors, motor drivers, gear reduction mechanisms, and motion control.
• Hands-on fabrication and prototyping experience.
• Experience in reliability testing and failure analysis.

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical design of high‑performance electromechanical systems end-to-end.
• Collaborate with electrical engineering, motor design, controls, embedded systems and manufacturing.
• Define architectures, influence technical direction and shape future actuator technologies.
• Drive concept generation, rapid prototyping, testing, validation, and production.
• Ensure packaging, torque density, efficiency, manufacturability and reliability.

Skills

Design experience

High precision mechanisms

Statics & dynamics

Controls fundamentals

Thermal analysis

FEA

3D CAD

Motor and motion control

Fabrication & prototyping

Reliability testing

Education

Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics degree

Tools

3D CAD software

FEA tools

Thermal analysis tools

Motor driver technologies

Job description

Our mission is to create advanced robots that can operate in complex environments, reducing human risk in conflict zones and enhancing efficiency in labor-intensive industries.

We are on the lookout for extraordinary engineers and scientists to join our team. Your previous experience in robotics isn't a prerequisite — it's your talent and determination that truly count.

We expect that many of our team members will bring diverse perspectives from various industries and fields. We are looking for individuals with a proven record of exceptional ability and a history of creating things that work.

Our Culture:

We like to be frank and honest about who we are, so that people can decide for themselves if this is a culture they resonate with. Please read more about our culture here https://foundation.bot/culture .

Who Should Join:

• You like working in person with a team in San Francisco.
• You deeply believe that this is the most important mission for humanity and needs to happen yesterday.
• You are highly technical - regardless of the role you are in. We are building technology; you need to understand technology well.
• You care about aesthetics and design inside out. If it's not the best product ever, it bothers you, and you need to “fix” it.
• You don't need someone to motivate you; you get things done.

Why are We Hiring for this Role:

• Join a small, high-impact team building the next generation of rotary actuators that will power every degree of freedom in our humanoid robots.
• You’ll own the mechanical design of high-performance electromechanical systems, pushing the limits of torque density, efficiency, manufacturability, reliability, and packaging.
• This role spans the entire product lifecycle—from concept generation and rapid prototyping through testing, validation, and production—giving you end-to-end ownership of the hardware you create.
• You’ll work alongside experts in electrical engineering, motor design, controls, embedded systems, and manufacturing to develop tightly integrated actuator systems where every gram, millimeter, and watt matters.
• As our actuator organization grows, you’ll have the opportunity to help define new architectures, influence technical direction, and shape the future of one of the most critical technologies in humanoid robotics.

What Kind of Person We are Looking for:

• 3+ years design experience, with a preference for high precision mechanism assemblies and or rotational assemblies (gears, motors, etc).
• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics or a related field.
• Strong fundamentals in statics, dynamics and controls, electromagnetism, and other related studies.
• Experience with thermal analysis, FEA, and 3D CAD programs in a professional environment
• Familiarity with various electric motor, motor driver, gear reduction mechanisms, and motion control technologies
• Hands‑on fabrication and prototyping experience
• Experience in reliability testing, failure analysis, and potential implementation of design changes in production environments