Founding Mechanical Engineer

Location: San Francisco, UNITED STATES (Office)

On-Site | Full-time

Compensation: $150K - $200K

Our client is an early-stage hardware company building advanced automated process cells that unite precision machinery, board handling, assembly, and electrical testing into a single, high-speed iteration loop.

They are seeking a highly hands-on Founding Mechanical Engineer to own the design, prototyping, and validation of core physical mechanisms. This individual will directly design and build precision assemblies, motion systems, custom fixtures, and robotic handoffs designed for repeatable, high-cycle performance.

This is an intensive, high-ownership role based fully on-site in San Francisco. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced hardware development environment, favors practical bench-testing over prolonged CAD cycles, and takes pride in taking complex physical problems from messy prototypes to fully functioning automated systems.

Key Responsibilities:

• Precision Systems Design: Design and validate precision motion systems, frames, alignment fixtures, and mechanisms to achieve tight, measured tolerances.
• Automation & Handling: Build board-handling systems and robotic handoff mechanisms, including couplings and end effectors capable of accurately securing, flipping, and positioning hardware across stations.
• Process Mechanisms: Develop feed, actuation, clamping, and via-forming mechanisms engineered to operate reliably over sustained automated production cycles.
• Testing & Diagnostics: Design mechanical interfaces and test fixtures for electrical probing, measurement, and physical fault diagnosis.
• Bench Prototyping & Iteration: Prototype rapidly at the bench, measure accuracy and failure rates, and iterate designs based on empirical data until mechanisms achieve long-term reliability.
• Cross-Disciplinary Integration: Collaborate closely with electrical and software engineers to integrate motors, sensors, and control systems while retaining end-to-end ownership of mechanical subsystems.

Requirements

• Hands-on Mechanical Depth: Non-negotiable, deep expertise in mechanisms, precision motion, tolerance stack-ups, couplings, calibration, and cycle-life repeatability.
• Demonstrated Hardware Delivery: Proven record of personally designing, building, and debugging physical hardware or machinery beyond initial concepts-ideally within automated production, robotics, or complex equipment environments.
• Practical Engineering Approach: Strong preference for rapid bench experimentation, physical testing, and empirical problem-solving.
• Mechatronics & Controls Intuition: Working familiarity with motors, sensors, wiring, power, and basic control integration.
• Technical Versatility: Ability to write or debug functional scripts/code to test and validate mechanical setups.
• Relevant Field Experience: Strong background in fields such as robotics, precision automation, semiconductor equipment, electronics manufacturing equipment (PCB handling/pick-and-place), CNC machinery, automotive, or aerospace.
• Work Style & On-Site Commitment: Must be capable of working on-site six days a week in San Francisco to support an intensive early-stage build schedule.

Benefits

• Equity & Impact: Direct involvement as a founding team member, offering significant early-stage equity and clear ownership over key engineering functions.
• Greenfield Engineering: The opportunity to build a novel process-cell architecture from scratch and see designs transition directly into active operational use.
• Accelerated Growth: High-trajectory environment with direct path to broader leadership and technical ownership.

Due to the high volume of applications we anticipate, we regret that we are unable to provide individual feedback to all candidates. If you do not hear back from us within 4 weeks of your application, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion. We genuinely appreciate your interest and wish you the best in your job search.

Commitment to Equality and Accessibility:

At MLabs, we are committed to offer equal opportunities to all candidates. We ensure no discrimination, accessible job adverts, and providing information in accessible formats. Our goal is to foster a diverse, inclusive workplace with equal opportunities for all. If you need any reasonable adjustments during any part of the hiring process or you would like to see the job-advert in an accessible format please let us know at the earliest opportunity by emailing [email protected].

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