Senior Mechanical Engineer – Robotic Actuators New York, NY

Fauna Robotics; New York (NY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading robotics company in New York is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design innovative actuator assemblies for humanoid robots. This role involves creating high-performance mechanisms and collaborating with various teams to ensure optimal system performance. Candidates should have extensive experience in actuator design and proficiency in CAD tools. The position offers a dynamic work environment and opportunities for professional growth.

Benefits

Equity ownership

Health Benefits (Medical, Dental, and Vision)

Qualifications

• 6+ years designing precision actuator or motion-control hardware.
• Hands-on prototyping, machining, and failure-root-cause analysis.

Responsibilities

• Design high-performance actuator assemblies for robots.
• Drive detailed design using 3-D CAD and FEA.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize performance.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Mechatronics

Prototyping

CAD

Thermal Management

Education

B.S. or higher in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

Onshape

SolidWorks

Job description

Senior Mechanical Engineer – Robotic Actuators

New York, NY

Job Description

We are seeking a talented Senior Mechanical Engineer to design and deliver high-performance actuator assemblies that power our robots. You’ll own mechanical architecture, detailed CAD/FEA, and test validation for ultra-compact, high-torque actuators—from concept through production release.

Key Responsibilities

• Create and down-select actuator concepts (custom designed gear trains, bearings, housings) to meet aggressive torque-to-weight and thermal targets.
• Drive detailed design: 3-D CAD, GD&T, tolerance stacks, and structural / thermal FEA.
• Prototype rapidly, design test fixtures, and characterize torque, efficiency, backlash, and thermal rise.
• Implement DFM/DFA, release drawings/BOMs, and collaborate with suppliers for pilot builds.
• Work cross-functionally with controls, firmware, and manufacturing teams to optimize overall system performance.
• Work with and manage relationships with expert independent contractors.
• Interface with industrial design and systems engineering to balance aesthetic, environmental, and regulatory constraints.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Education: B.S. or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Work Experience: 6+ years designing precision actuator, motor, or motion-control hardware that shipped to customers.
• Technical Expertise:
  • Expertise in gear trains (planetary, harmonic, cycloidal), bearing and shaft design, thermal management, and lubrication.
  • Fluency with CAD (Onshape, or SolidWorks) and structural/thermal FEA.
  • Hands-on prototyping, machining, and failure-root-cause analysis.

Nice-to-have Skills

• Experience scaling prototypes to 100+ unit production.
• Familiarity with frameless PM motors and rotor/stator integration.
• Scripting (Python) for design automation and data analysis.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to work on groundbreaking robotics technology, enabling the next generation of humanoid robots to interact dynamically with their environments.
• A collaborative and innovative environment that fosters creativity and exploration.
• Equity ownership in the company
• Health Benefits (Medical, Dental, and Vision)