Sr Mechanical Engineer [South Bay, CA]

RiverPark Ventures; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare

Dental

Mental health support

Parental planning resources

Retirement savings options

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Dandy in the South Bay is seeking a Senior Mechatronics Engineer to lead the mechatronic architecture for next-generation prosthetic SPMs. You will bridge theory and practice across hardware, software, and controls to deliver production-ready systems.

Architect complex robotic systems with precision actuators and sensors; apply additive and subtractive manufacturing methods; conduct rigorous testing and FMEA; and mentor teammates while collaborating across mechanical, electrical, firmware, and

Qualifications

• 6+ years of machine-building experience in hardware, mechatronics, or robotics engineering.
• BS/MS/PhD in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical, or Robotics Engineering.
• Founding mindset with ability to work as individual contributor in early-stage environment.
• Proficiency in robotic kinematics/dynamics, motor controllers, and simulation tools.
• Hands-on sensor integration, embedded systems, and manufacturing design execution.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills; mentor junior engineers; manage multiple projects.
• Willingness to travel ~20% to suppliers, manufacturing, and testing facilities.

Responsibilities

• Architect and integrate complex robotic hardware systems ensuring micron-level reliability.
• Design SPMs using additive and subtractive processes for versatile platforms.
• Lead rapid prototyping and perform structural/thermal analyses; conduct FMEA.
• Coordinate across mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software teams for integration.

Skills

System architecture

Robotics hardware

Actuators & sensors

Motion control

Kinematics/dynamics

Embedded systems

Hardware integration

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

BS/MS/PhD in Mechatronics/Mechanical/Electrical/Robotics

Tools

Beckhoff TwinCAT

Simulation tools

Additive/Subtractive manufacturing

Job description

Dandy is transforming the massive and antiquated dental industry—an industry worth over $400B. Backed by some of the world’s leading venture capital firms, we’re on an ambitious mission to simplify and modernize every function of the dental practice through technology. As we expand our reach globally, Dandy is building the operating system for dental offices around the world—empowering clinicians and their teams with technology, innovation, and world-class support to achieve more for their practices, their people, and their patients.

About the Role

Dandy is seeking a Senior Mechatronics Engineer to join our elite Precision Robotics R&D team. This role is the technical cornerstone for developing the mechatronic architecture of our next-generation Special Purpose Machines (SPM) for manufacturing custom-made prosthetics.

As an engineer with 6+ years of experience, you will bridge the gap between high-level robotic theory and physical execution. You will be responsible for building the "nervous system" of our machines—integrating actuators, sensors, and motion control into a cohesive, high-performance architecture. This is a hybrid role in the South Bay, where you will drive innovation from initial concept and rapid prototyping through to production-ready systems.

What You’ll Do

• System Architecture & Design: Architect and integrate complex robotic hardware systems, including precision actuators, sensors, and electromechanical subsystems, ensuring they meet the micron-level reliability required for manufacturing custom-made prosthetics.

• Special Purpose Machine Design Expertise: Apply deep technical knowledge of both additive (3D printing) and subtractive (milling, grinding, polishing) processes to design versatile, high-precision manufacturing platforms.

• High-Fidelity Prototyping: Lead the rapid prototyping of components and conduct rigorous structural/thermal analyses. Validate designs through intensive performance testing and failure-mode analysis (FMEA).

• Cross-Functional Integration: Act as the primary technical interface between mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software teams to ensure seamless system integration and optimization of system dynamics.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: 6+ years of machine-building experience, specifically in hardware, mechatronics, or robotics engineering with a focus on system-level architecture for production systems.

• Education: B.S./M.S. or Ph.D. in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Electrical, or Robotics Engineering.

• Founding Mindset: Proven ability to work as an individual contributor in an early-stage environment while possessing the leadership skills to scale a team.

• Technical Mastery:

  • Profound knowledge of robotic kinematics/dynamics, motor controllers, and simulation tools

  • Hands-on experience with sensor integration, embedded systems, and manufacturing design execution.

• Soft Skills: Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to mentor junior engineers and manage multiple projects in a high-velocity high growth environment.

• Ability to self-direct, self-managing issues to closure involving all necessary teams, and adapt quickly to program changes.

• Willingness to travel to suppliers, manufacturing, and testing facilities as required throughout product development (~20% travel)

Bonus Points For

• Experience working as a System or Mechanical Engineer for an Automation System Integrator or OEM, with a track record of delivering turnkey automated solutions.

• Advanced Motion Control: Knowledge of waveform tuning, custom PLC programming (Beckhoff/TwinCAT), or experience with high-performance motion controllers (ACS, Elmo, Others).

• Experience with laser interferometry, high-resolution optical encoders, and sub-micron calibration techniques for milling and printing paths.

• Expertise in integrating Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and 3D vision systems into robotic workflows for real-time quality feedback.

• Advanced capability in FEA/CFD for thermal and vibration analysis of high-speed robotic linkages and spindles.

• Experience with the design or qualification of custom brushless motors, linear actuators, or robotic end-effectors.

• Robotic Safety: Knowledge of ISO 10218 or ISO 13482 standards for robotic system safety and collaborative operation.

Req ID: J-984

For full-time positions, Dandy offers a wide range of best-in-class, comprehensive, and inclusive benefits tailored to each country where we operate. Our local benefits packages typically include healthcare, dental, mental health support, parental planning resources, retirement savings options, and generous paid time off—ensuring our team members are supported no matter where they live and work.

• healthcare
• dental
• mental health support
• parental planning resources
• retirement savings options
• generous paid time off

Dandy is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture that celebrates authenticity to win as one. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other legally protected characteristics.

Dandy also fully complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We are dedicated to embracing challenges and creating an accessible, inclusive workplace for all individuals. If you require any accommodations for your interview or have any questions beforehand, rest assured that we will do everything we can to meet your needs.

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