Staff Mechanical Engineer – Mobile Bot

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

Staff Mechanical Engineer - Mobile Bot

USA Milpitas, CA

What we need

We are looking for a Staff Mechanical Engineer to join our Mobile Robotics Engineering team within our Core Hardware Engineering organization. Your job will be to design, develop, and validate the mechanical systems that power our next-generation autonomous mobile robots. You'll own critical mechanical subsystems from concept through production while partnering closely with electrical, software, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams to deliver reliable, high-performance robotic solutions.

What we do

The Mobile Robotics Engineering team is part of our Core Hardware Engineering organization, which is responsible for designing and developing the autonomous mobile robots that power Symbotic’s warehouse automation platform. The team combines mechanical, electrical, controls, and software engineering to create scalable robotic systems capable of operating reliably in demanding customer environments.

What you’ll do

• Lead the design and development of critical mobile robot mechanical systems, including chassis, drivetrains, suspension, actuation systems, payload handling mechanisms, and structural components.
• Design and integrate motion systems by selecting motors, gearboxes, bearings, wheels, and other drivetrain components while performing torque, speed, durability, and lifecycle analysis.
• Develop innovative mechanical mechanisms and structures that meet performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements.
• Perform engineering analysis including FEA, kinematic studies, tolerance stack‑ups, and validation testing to ensure robust product performance.
• Drive Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA) by partnering with manufacturing, suppliers, and contract manufacturers to optimize cost, quality, and scalability.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with electrical, firmware, software, systems, manufacturing, and service teams to integrate mechanical designs into complete robotic systems.
• Mentor junior engineers and support design reviews, engineering documentation, product releases, and field validation activities.
• Travel up to 50% as needed to support product development, integration, testing, and customer deployments.

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline required. Master’s degree or other advanced engineering degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of mechanical design experience, including at least 3 years developing mobile robots, AGVs/AMRs, automation equipment, autonomous vehicles, drones, or similar electromechanical systems.
• Experience designing electromechanical systems for deep freeze and condensing operating environments.
• Expertise with SolidWorks (preferred) or similar 3D CAD software, including GD&T, drawing release, BOM management, and PLM/PDM systems.
• Strong background in machine design, structural analysis, FEA, kinematics, tolerance analysis, and drivetrain design.
• Hands‑on experience developing and validating prototypes, creating test plans, and iterating designs based on test results.
• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes including machining, sheet metal fabrication, injection molding, and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly (DFM/DFA).
• Familiarity with mobile robotics safety standards (such as ISO 3691 or ANSI/ITSDF) and excellent communication skills with the ability to present technical concepts and design tradeoffs to cross‑functional stakeholders.

Our environment

• Up to 5 0% of travel may be required. Employees must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive and/or fly to client and other customer locations.
• The employee is responsible for owning a credit card and managing expenses personally to be reimbursed on a bi‑weekly basis.

The base range for this position in the posted location is $143,750.00 - $195,000.00 however, base pay offered may vary depending on job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, 401K, PTO and/or other benefits.