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Staff Mechanical Engineer

Foundation Robotics Labs Inc.
San Francisco, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 2/21/2025
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/20/2025

About Foundation Robotics Labs Inc.

About Us

Foundation is developing the future of general purpose robotics with the goal to address the labor shortage.

Our mission is to create advanced robots that can operate in complex environments, reducing human risk in conflict zones and enhancing efficiency in labor-intensive industries.

We are on the lookout for extraordinary engineers and scientists to join our team. Your previous experience in robotics isn"t a prerequisite — it"s your talent and determination that truly count.

We expect that many of our team members will bring diverse perspectives from various industries and fields. We are looking for individuals with a proven record of exceptional ability and a history of creating things that work.

All positions are based in San Francisco.

Our Culture

We like to be frank and honest about who we are, so that people can decide for themselves if this is a culture they resonate with. Please read more about our culture here https : / / foundation.bot / culture .

Who should join :

  • You like working in person with a team in San Francisco.
  • You want to work 7 days a week.
  • You deeply believe that this is the most important mission for humanity and needs to happen yesterday.
  • You are highly technical - regardless of the role you are in. We are building technology; you need to understand technology well.
  • You care about aesthetics and design inside out. If it"s not the best product ever, it bothers you, and you need to fix it.
  • You don"t need someone to motivate you; you get things done .
  • Why We Are Hiring for This Role
  • We are designing the most advanced humanoid robot, and full-body mechanical design is the foundation of its movement, durability, and manufacturability. This role is responsible for the overall mechanical architecture, ensuring all components—from actuators and chassis to structural elements—work together seamlessly while remaining lightweight, manufacturable, and cost-efficient.
  • We need an exceptional engineer to :

Own the full-body mechanical design of the humanoid, integrating all subsystems (actuators, electronics, sensors, compute, and thermal systems).

  • Optimize for weight, strength, and manufacturability, ensuring performance without compromising durability.
  • Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA)—working closely with manufacturing teams to ensure the robot can be built at scale.
  • Ensure structural integrity, thermal management, and vibration resistance, preventing mechanical failures in real-world use.
  • Work cross-functionally with the AI, electrical, and actuator teams to ensure smooth system integration and reliability.
  • Scale the robot's design from prototype to production, solving engineering challenges at every step.
  • What Kind of Person We Are Looking For
  • Deep expertise in full-body mechanical design for robotics, exoskeletons, aerospace, or high-performance mechanical systems.

  • Strong background in kinematics, structural mechanics, and system integration—understanding how components interact in real-world conditions.
  • Mastery of lightweight materials, thermal management, and manufacturability for scalable, cost-effective production.
  • Expert in precision mechanical design, DFM / DFA, tolerance analysis, and failure mode prevention for mass manufacturing.
  • Experience with FEA (Finite Element Analysis) and multibody dynamics simulation to optimize performance.
  • Comfortable working with large, multi-component assemblies, ensuring all subsystems (actuators, electronics, and power systems) work together flawlessly.
  • Ability to optimize strength-to-weight ratios, preventing stress fractures, excessive wear, or efficiency losses over time.
  • 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering, preferably in robotics, aerospace, exoskeletons, or precision industrial systems.
  • Bachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field. PhD is a plus.
  • Benefits

    We provide market standard benefits (health, vision, dental, 401k, etc.). Join us for the culture and the mission, not for the benefits.

    Salary

    The annual compensation is expected to be between $80,000 - $1,000,000. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

    PI262488811

    Salary : $80,000 - $1,000,000

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    Job openings at Foundation Robotics Labs Inc.

    Foundation Robotics Labs Inc.
    Hired Organization Address San Francisco, CA Full Time
    About Foundation Robotics Labs Inc. About Us Foundation is developing the future of general purpose robotics with the go...
    Foundation Robotics Labs Inc.
    Hired Organization Address San Francisco, CA Full Time
    About Us Foundation is developing the future of general purpose robotics with the goal to address the labor shortage. Ou...

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