Senior Robotics Mechanical Engineer – Hardware Lead

Rugged Robotics; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Flexible vacation

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Job summary

Rugged Robotics in Houston, TX (East Downtown) is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own mechanical subsystems from concept through production release and sustaining. You’ll apply deep experience in actuators, electro‑mechanical systems, and robotics to improve performance and reliability of a field‑proven product.

In this startup environment you’ll lead subsystem projects, mentor engineers, and collaborate with software, electrical, manufacturing, and field teams.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in robotics or electro-mechanical systems.
• Full product development cycle from concept to production.
• Data-driven design with quick tests and measurements.
• Select electro-mechanical components and manufacturing methods.
• Familiar with tolerance analysis, FEA, motor equations, fluid flow, and thermal analysis.
• Hands-on building and debugging electro-mechanical systems.
• Mentor and lead initiatives within the hardware team.

Responsibilities

• Own actuators, structures, and enclosures through design, testing, and production ramp.
• Study system behavior across mechanical, electrical, and software boundaries.
• Lead reliability and safety testing and certifications for international expansion.
• Make informed decisions with load cases and component specs.
• Use SOLIDWORKS to craft parts, assemblies, and GD&T drawings per ASME Y14.5.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to the hardware team.
• Collaborate with international vendors to meet project timelines.

Skills

Robotics design

Actuators

Electro-mechanical systems

System-level thinking

Mentoring

Tools

SOLIDWORKS

GD&T

Python scripting

Job description

Rugged Robotics in Houston, TX (East Downtown) is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to own mechanical subsystems from concept through production release and sustaining. You’ll apply deep experience in actuators, electro‑mechanical systems, and robotics to improve performance and reliability of a field‑proven product.

In this startup environment you’ll lead subsystem projects, mentor engineers, and collaborate with software, electrical, manufacturing, and field teams.