Sensor R&D Engineer

Mecka; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Mecka is hiring a sensor-focused engineer to design and integrate physical sensors for a global data-capture network supporting robotics and embodied AI. You will run controlled experiments, build and test sensor fixtures, calibrate signals, and ensure robustness across real-world hardware deployments.

You will collaborate with hardware teams to optimize sensing physics, readout electronics, and data acquisition pipelines, while documenting reproducible methods for production use.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience developing or integrating physical sensors.
• Hands-on experience with tactile, force, or other physical sensors and sensing physics.
• Practical skills in laboratory instrumentation and data acquisition; depth in sensor fabrication or readout electronics and system integration.
• Ability to design controlled experiments and distinguish signals from noise.
• Proficiency in Python for signal processing, analysis, and visualization.
• Knowledge of calibration, measurement uncertainty, and packaging effects on performance.

Responsibilities

• Develop new sensors or integrate commercial ones, using controlled experiments to select and validate the right sensing approach.
• Build test fixtures and characterize sensitivity, noise, hysteresis, drift, and variation between samples.
• Develop calibration and signal-processing methods that turn raw signals into reliable measurements.
• Integrate sensors with electronics and synchronized recording systems.
• Validate performance after packaging and repeated use, so sensors hold up outside the lab.
• Document methods the hardware team can reproduce.

Skills

Sensor development

Laboratory instrumentation

Data acquisition

Python

Experiment design

Signal processing

Calibration knowledge

Job description

About Mecka AI

Mecka AI is building the data infrastructure layer for robotics and embodied AI.

Mecka AI is building the data infrastructure layer for robotics and embodied AI.

We design and operate global systems for data capture, data labeling, and hardware-enabled workflows used by leading AI labs and robotics companies to train and validate humanoid and embodied AI systems.

We work closely with frontier robotics teams to bridge real-world data, simulation, learning-based systems, and deployed hardware.

The Role

Robots learn from the physical details of the world, and capturing those details takes the right sensors. You'll develop sensors that turn sensing principles into measurements that stay accurate inside real hardware, helping Mecka collect richer data across our global capture network. The work spans sensor development (sensing physics, materials, fabrication, and characterization) and sensor integration (readout electronics, calibration, signal processing, packaging, and system validation). We're looking for depth in one or both.

What You'll Do

• Develop new sensors or integrate commercial ones, using controlled experiments to select and validate the right sensing approach.
• Build test fixtures and characterize sensitivity, noise, hysteresis, drift, and variation between samples.
• Develop calibration and signal-processing methods that turn raw signals into reliable measurements.
• Integrate sensors with electronics and synchronized recording systems.
• Validate performance after packaging and repeated use, so sensors hold up outside the lab.
• Document methods the hardware team can reproduce.

What You Bring

Must-have:

• 3+ years of experience developing or integrating physical sensors.
• Hands-on experience developing or integrating tactile, force, pressure, or other physical sensors, with an understanding of the underlying sensing physics.
• Practical skills in laboratory instrumentation and data acquisition, with depth in either sensor fabrication and materials testing, or readout electronics and system integration.
• Ability to design controlled experiments and distinguish useful signals from noise, fixture effects, and measurement error.
• Proficiency in Python or a similar language for signal processing, analysis, and visualization.
• Knowledge of calibration, measurement uncertainty, and how packaging affects sensor performance and durability.

Nice-to-have:

• Experience taking a sensing technology from laboratory samples into repeatable manufacturing.

Inclusive Hiring at Mecka

We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive candidate experience. Should you require any accommodation whatsoever during the interview process, please inform us without any hesitation. Mecka is dedicated to ensuring equal treatment and opportunity in all phases of recruitment, selection, and employment, in compliance with employment law. We do not discriminate based on gender, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, disability, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, or any other protected category. Mecka is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, fostering a culture of inclusivity and maintaining a work environment that is free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

Mecka uses artificial intelligence (AI) responsibly to support administrative and efficiency-focused aspects of our recruitment process. This includes activities such as drafting job descriptions, generating interview questions, note-taking and recordings, and supporting sourcing and scheduling workflows. All candidate evaluations, interviews, and hiring decisions are made by members of the Mecka team. While AI tools may assist with screening and assessment, they do not replace human judgment in selection decisions. Our use of AI is intended to streamline routine tasks, improve consistency, and enhance the overall candidate experience. We are committed to upholding principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in all hiring activities. Mecka regularly reviews its recruitment practices to mitigate bias and to ensure alignment with applicable laws and evolving best practices.

Compensation Range: CA$150K - CA$190K