Senior Mechanical Engineer, Robotics

About Analog

Analog specializes in developing sophisticated world models and robotic technology, delivering machines that seamlessly operate in the tangible world with utmost reliability. Our interdisciplinary team encompasses engineers, artists, and researchers united by a commitment to meticulous hardware standards that support exceptional user experiences.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to lead the mechanical design aspects of our ground robots and robotic arms. This role encompasses the entire chain from structural chassis to actuation systems, ensuring long-term durability and performance across numerous deployments. The engineer will collaborate closely with electrical, firmware, controls, and software teams to transform initial concepts into dependable real-world machines.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full responsibility for mechanical architecture of mobile robotic platforms and manipulators, including chassis, drivetrain, joint systems, end effectors, and protective enclosures.
• Develop precision mechanisms and load-supporting frameworks in CAD software, optimizing for rigidity, weight, backlash, maintainability, and cost effectiveness.
• Manage and uphold strict mass, inertia, and packaging constraints for each robotic platform amid evolving requirements.
• Convert motion specifications into detailed joint configurations, reach capabilities, payload handling, and actuator choices.
• Select and integrate suitable components such as motors, gearboxes, harmonic drives, belts, ball screws, bearings, and brakes to meet torque, speed, and rigidity objectives.
• Size drivetrains based on realistic duty cycles rather than peak loads, validating designs with empirical load data.
• Design compliant and force-regulated mechanisms to ensure safe physical interaction with environments.
• Address complex cable routing, slip ring, and wiring challenges for joints enduring millions of operational cycles.
• Perform finite element analysis (FEA) and failure mode effects analysis (FMEA), using findings proactively to improve designs.
• Simulate thermal management for motors, drives, and computing units; engineer cooling solutions suited for high-temperature conditions.
• Construct and utilize test rigs for lifecycle, fatigue, shock, vibration, ingress protection, and precision testing, following components to failure.
• Lead feedback loops investigating mechanical faults discovered in testing or field operation, implementing corrective design revisions.
• Rapidly prototype using machining, 3D printing, and quick fabrication techniques.
• Engineer designs compatible with manufacturing methods including CNC machining, sheet metal work, injection molding, casting, and composites, selecting optimal processes for expected production volumes.
• Create comprehensive technical documentation packages comprising GD&T specifications, tolerance stack-ups, finish requirements, bills of materials, and assembly instructions.
• Collaborate with suppliers and contract manufacturers on quotation, initial sample inspection, qualification, and yield improvement.
• Work closely with interdisciplinary teams (electrical, firmware, controls, and industrial design) ensuring mechanical designs integrate comprehensively within robotic systems.
• Establish and maintain mechanical design standards, CAD and product data management (PDM) practices, and documentation procedures for the robotics hardware group.
• Provide mentorship to junior engineers, elevating design quality through reviews and direct involvement in prototyping and testing.
• Design with field serviceability in mind, considering spare parts, tooling needs, maintenance scheduling, and technician-friendly assemblies.

Candidate Profile

• Between 6 and 10 years of relevant experience, with proven success in designing mechanical systems for robotics, automotive, aerospace, consumer devices, or industrial automation sectors.
• Demonstrated track record managing mechanisms through all stages from concept, prototyping, qualification, to volume manufacturing.
• Strong expertise in mechanical design fundamentals: including stress and fatigue analysis, kinematic design, bearing and gear selection, and tolerance stack-up evaluation.
• Proficient in advanced CAD tools such as SolidWorks, NX, Creo, Onshape, or comparable software, coupled with disciplined use of PDM and version control systems.
• Hands-on experience with finite element analysis, with balanced judgement when to apply analytical calculations instead.
• Thorough knowledge of geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) and ability to produce manufacturing-ready drawings that minimize queries.
• Deep practical capability working in laboratory and manufacturing environments: assembly, machining, fixturing, instrumentation, and testing.
• Experience designing for environmental durability including protection against ingress, dust, heat, vibration, and transportation stresses.
• Strong technical communication skills and comfort operating in dynamic environments with rapid hardware iterations.
• Educational background in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or equivalent relevant professional experience.

Additional Desirable Skills

• Prior involvement with humanoid, legged, or manipulator robotic platforms.
• Experience working on mechanisms requiring high cycle life or failure-critical hardware.
• Knowledge of Robot Operating System (ROS 2) and integrating robotic system components.
• Familiarity with machinery safety standards such as ISO 13849 or ISO 10218.
• Ability to utilize scripting languages like Python or MATLAB for analysis and test automation purposes.

Employment Details

This is a permanent full-time position based onsite in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.