Staff Mechanical Engineer – Autonomous Mobile Robots

Symbotic; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 143,750 - 195,000; Full time

Job summary

Symbotic in Milpitas is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and validate mechanical systems powering our autonomous mobile robots. You will own critical subsystems from concept through production while collaborating with electrical, software, and manufacturing teams.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, 8+ years of design experience including mobile robots, and strong experience with SolidWorks, FEA, and DFMA.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required; Master's preferred.
• Minimum 8 years of mechanical design experience, including 3+ years with mobile robots/AGVs/AMRs or similar electromechanical systems.
• Experience designing electromechanical systems for challenging environments (deep freeze/condensing).
• Expertise with SolidWorks (preferred) or similar CAD; includes GD&T, drawing release, BOM management, and PLM/PDM systems.
• Strength in machine design, structural analysis, FEA, kinematics, tolerance analysis, and drivetrain design.
• Hands-on prototype development, test planning, and design iteration based on results.
• Advanced manufacturing knowledge: machining, sheet metal, injection molding; DFMA experience.
• Familiarity with mobile robotics safety standards (ISO 3691 / ANSI/ITSDF) and strong cross-functional communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of mobile robot mechanical systems: chassis, drivetrains, suspension, actuation, payload handling, and structures.
• Select motors, gearboxes, bearings, wheels; perform torque, speed, durability, and lifecycle analysis.
• Develop innovative mechanical mechanisms meeting performance, reliability, and manufacturability goals.
• Conduct FEA, kinematic studies, tolerance analysis, and validation testing for robustness.
• Drive DFMA by collaborating with manufacturing, suppliers, and contract manufacturers to optimize cost, quality, and scale.
• Collaborate with electrical, firmware, software, systems, manufacturing, and service teams to integrate designs.
• Mentor junior engineers; support design reviews, documentation, releases, and field validation.
• Travel up to 50% as needed for development, integration, testing, and deployments.

Skills

Mechanical design

FEM/FEA

DFM/DFA

Team mentorship

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks

PLM/PDM systems

GD&T

Job description

Symbotic in Milpitas is seeking a Staff Mechanical Engineer to design, develop, and validate mechanical systems powering our autonomous mobile robots. You will own critical subsystems from concept through production while collaborating with electrical, software, and manufacturing teams.

Ideal candidates hold a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering, 8+ years of design experience including mobile robots, and strong experience with SolidWorks, FEA, and DFMA.