Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer

Akkar; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Akkar in Austin, Texas, seeks a Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead the design of advanced robotic hands. This role involves owning the mechanical architecture, addressing integration of actuators, and ensuring design precision and robustness. Candidates should have over 8 years of experience in mechanical system design and strong proficiency in SolidWorks or similar tools. The position offers a chance to innovate in the robotics field while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in complex mechanical system design.
• Expertise in multi-DOF mechanisms and high-precision systems.
• Strong leadership and communication skills to align teams.

Responsibilities

• Own the mechanical architecture of a multi-fingered robotic hand.
• Define finger topology and joint architectures for dexterity.
• Prototype and iterate designs through hands-on validation.

Skills

Designing complex, high-precision mechanical systems

Mechanical architecture experience

Tight-space packaging and integration

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

M.S. preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

CATIA

Job description

We’re working with a pioneering technology company developing advanced robotic systems capable of precise, human-like interaction in real-world environments. Their work sits at the cutting edge of robotics, blending high-performance mechanical design with intelligent control and sensing.

They are seeking a Senior Staff Mechanical Engineer to lead the design and development of a next-generation robotic hand—an intricate, high-DOF system requiring exceptional precision, robustness, and integration.

The Role

In this role, you will own the mechanical architecture of a multi-fingered robotic hand, driving design from early concept through prototyping and into production. You’ll tackle complex challenges in dexterity, durability, and compact system integration while working closely with cross-functional teams.

Key Responsibilities

Architect Advanced Manipulation Systems

• Define finger topology, joint architectures, palm structures, and load paths
• Balance dexterity, strength, weight, and manufacturability

Design High-Performance Mechanisms

• Develop multi-DOF joints and linkages capable of handling real-world forces, impacts, and off-axis loads
• Ensure durability across high cycle life applications

Co-Design Actuation Systems

• Partner with actuation engineers on tendon-driven or remote actuation solutions
• Optimize cable routing, transmission efficiency, and wear characteristics

Enable Human-Like Interaction

• Design for grasping, pinching, sliding, and tool use
• Tune compliance and stiffness for both precision and safe interaction

Own Analysis & Validation

• Lead FEA, stress, fatigue, and impact analysis
• Identify and mitigate failure modes including wear, loosening, and material fatigue

Drive Compact Integration

• Integrate actuation, sensing, and wiring into high-density mechanical systems

Prototype & Iterate

• Rapidly build and test prototypes, refining designs through hands‑on validation

Manufacturing & Scale‑Up

• Lead DFM/DFA, tolerancing, and process selection
• Collaborate with suppliers to ensure production readiness
• Work cross-functionally with controls, perception, electrical, and software teams
• Mentor engineers and lead technical design reviews

What We’re Looking For

Core Experience

• Proven track record designing complex, high-precision mechanical systems or multi-DOF mechanisms
• Strong system-level thinking and mechanical architecture experience
• Expertise in tight-space packaging and integration

CAD & Geometry Expertise

• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks, NX, or CATIA, especially surfacing and complex geometries
• Deep understanding of structural behavior, fatigue, and real-world durability
• Experience designing for reliability under dynamic or contact-rich conditions

Leadership & Influence

• Ability to drive technical direction and align cross-functional teams
• Strong communication and design review skills

Relevant Industry Backgrounds

• Humanoid or dexterous robotics
• Medical or surgical robotics
• Prosthetics or biomechanical devices
• Semiconductor automation or micron-scale manipulation systems
• Defense, aerospace, or drone systems involving advanced actuation and control

Preferred Experience

• Robotic hands or anthropomorphic mechanisms
• Bio-inspired design or human hand biomechanics
• Tendon-driven or cable-actuated systems
• Compliant or soft robotics
• Tactile sensing or force feedback integration
• Advanced materials and surface treatments for wear and grip

Qualifications

• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering (M.S. preferred) or related field
• 8+ years of experience in complex mechanical system design

Why This Role

• Build highly sophisticated, real-world robotic systems
• Solve deeply challenging engineering problems at the intersection of mechanics and intelligence
• Work with a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
• Influence a product from concept through production