Principal Mechanical Actuator Engineer - Robotics

Atomos Systems is developing a general purpose super-humanoid leveraging advanced motor design and control techniques to push the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and reliability. We need a motivated actuator engineer to join our team.

Areas of Contribution

Design and Develop Actuators & Mechanisms:

• Design and integrate rotary and linear speed reduction systems for high-performance motion control actuators. Use creative engineering to achieve the highest torque/force in world’s most compact, lightweight packages.

Integrate Components & Systems:

• Integrate actuators with sensors, electronics, and wiring into tightly constrained spaces. Collaborate with electromagnetic motor design engineers to develop highly efficient and torque-dense electromechanical actuators.

Modeling, Simulation, and Analysis:

• Apply analytical methods and simulation (FEA, dynamic modeling, etc.) to validate and optimize designs. Perform load calculations and tolerance stack-ups to ensure mechanisms meet performance requirements.

Testing, Calibration & Iteration:

• Perform system identification and calibration of motors, sensors, and transmissions to improve model accuracy. Iterate on designs based on test results to enhance performance and reliability.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:

• Work closely with cross-functional teams (mechanical, electrical, control software) to ensure seamless integration of hardware and software.

Documentation & Supplier Coordination:

• Prepare detailed engineering documentation, including 3D CAD models, manufacturing drawings, bills of materials, and assembly instructions. Define specifications and test plans, and coordinate with suppliers to source components and implement design for manufacturability.

Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field.
• An advanced degree is preferred for candidates with less industry experience.

Experience:

• 5 years experience in robotics hardware development, focusing on actuator design and/or motion control systems.
• Experience should include taking electromechanical designs from initial concept through prototyping and testing to integration in complex robotic systems.

Technical Skills:

• Expertise in the design and analysis of rotary and linear gear reduction mechanisms, including planetary, strain wave (harmonic drives), cycloidal, ball screws, lead screws.
• Proficiency with gear design software such as Kisssoft or similar.
• Proficiency with 3D CAD software (such as SolidWorks, CATIA) and CAE tools for analysis (FEA, tolerance analysis, dynamic simulation).
• Strong grasp of control theory and kinematics/dynamics for robotic motion (e.g., PID control, state estimation, trajectory planning).
• Experience with torque and force sensing technologies and instrumentation.
• Experience with thermal analysis and design for passive (natural convection) and active cooling systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, iterative development environment, demonstrating initiative and adaptability as requirements evolve.
• A hands-on mindset with a willingness to prototype, test, and iterate quickly on designs.