Senior Mechanical Engineer: End-to-End Precision Hardware

Gradient Robotics; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Gradient Robotics in San Francisco is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own a core mechanical subsystem end to end. You will drive designs from concept through fabrication and assembly, coordinating with controls and software to ensure hardware integrates seamlessly.

The role rewards deep hands-on work, fast iteration, and ownership of precision motion, structural design, and validation. On-site presence in SF is required, with opportunities to impact AI infrastructure at scale.

Qualifications

• 5+ years designing precision electromechanical systems that shipped or were deployed.
• Deep competence in structural and precision design: ball screws, rack-and-pinion, bearings, kinematic constraint, and tolerance stack-ups.
• Strong FEA and hand-calc fluency: you work things out on paper before you trust the sim.
• Track record owning subsystems end-to-end at a fast-moving hardware company (robotics, aerospace, automotive, or similar).
• Comfort with ambiguity and a strong build-and-test instinct.
• Hands-on machining experience: we have great technicians, but sometimes we make our own parts too.

Responsibilities

• Own a core mechanical subsystem end to end: design, hand calcs, FEA, fabrication, assembly, and validation.
• Own precision motion and structural design: linear stages, actuators, bearings, and drivetrains built to tight tolerances under significant loads and moments.
• Drive design decisions with first-principles analysis and trade studies across materials, stiffness, precision grade, and load paths.
• Leverage our in-house machine shop and technician team to get your designs manufactured quickly.
• Integrate tightly with controls, firmware, and software at the system level so the mechanical design works as part of the whole machine.

Skills

Precision electromechanical design

FEA & hand calculations

Subsystem ownership

Hands-on machining

On-site in SF

Job description

Gradient Robotics in San Francisco is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own a core mechanical subsystem end to end. You will drive designs from concept through fabrication and assembly, coordinating with controls and software to ensure hardware integrates seamlessly.

The role rewards deep hands-on work, fast iteration, and ownership of precision motion, structural design, and validation. On-site presence in SF is required, with opportunities to impact AI infrastructure at scale.