Advisory Engineer, Hardware HPSC

Ricoh•Boulder, CO

11d•$110,000 - $140,000•Onsite

About The Position

Ricoh's Boulder R&D group designs and builds automation and robotics systems for industrial print and manufacturing applications. This is a hands-on mechanical design position within a multidisciplinary development team that includes software, controls, machine vision, and AI/ML engineers. Mechanical and electromechanical design is the focus of this role, and the hardware developed here frequently forms the basis for the software, machine vision, and AI/ML work that builds on it. Current programs include: A growing robotics and factory automation practice deploying collaborative robot cells, pick-and-place systems, and material handling for external customers Continuous-feed inkjet inspection platforms and their expansion across the automation product roadmap A renewable energy program supporting next-generation solar cell manufacturing The role spans the full design cycle: defining requirements, concept development, prototyping, build, debug, and production hardware. Projects frequently begin with a problem description rather than a written specification. This is a senior individual contributor position, and the successful candidate is expected to contribute technically from the outset.

Requirements

BS in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience
8+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and hands-on technical work
Demonstrated record of delivering multiple complex machines or electromechanical products from concept through working hardware as a principal contributor
Direct, hands-on experience fabricating, assembling, wiring, and debugging mechanical and electromechanical assemblies, with working proficiency in a shop environment
Sound judgment in selecting manufacturing and joining methods appropriate to one-off and low-volume builds: machining, sheet metal, weldments, extruded aluminum framing, fastening, and additive
Proficiency in 3D CAD (NX, SolidWorks, Inventor, Creo, or equivalent) and detailed 2D drawings with GD&T
Sheet metal and machined part design, including DFM for bending, machining, and assembly, with direct fabrication shop experience
Hands-on experience with end-of-arm tooling and gripper design, pneumatics, motion systems, and sensors
Design practice that accounts for assembly, service access, and long-term maintainability
Strong systems-level thinking, with the ability to manage concurrent projects in a fast-moving R&D environment

Nice To Haves

Industrial electrical experience: control cabinet layout and build, panel wiring, schematic interpretation, and sensor and actuator wiring
Bespoke or single-unit automation experience, including integrator-style builds and purpose-built machines for a single customer or process
Background in precision equipment or converting industries: inkjet, semiconductor, thin film, web handling, roll-to-roll, packaging, or label finishing
Robotics integration experience with collaborative robots (Universal Robots, Fanuc, or comparable), including cell layout and safety configuration
Field service, commissioning, or installation experience
Product certification experience: CE/UKCA, UL/CSA/NRTL, EMC pre-compliance, and EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230
Machine vision hardware integration, including cameras, lighting, lensing, and calibration
Contract manufacturing transfer, including documentation packages, quality systems, and production handoff
Shop skills such as welding, machining, or fabrication
Interest in developing applied software capability. The team works in Python and C++ and uses AI-assisted engineering tools. This is not a requirement for the position.

Responsibilities

Develop mechanical and electromechanical designs from concept through production hardware
Design end-of-arm tooling, grippers, base frames, guarding, and pneumatic systems for robotic and automated cells
Design sheet metal, machined, and fabricated components, including DFM and direct coordination with fabrication and machine shops
Scope and deliver bespoke, single-purpose automation builds, including defining the requirements and carrying the design through to working hardware
Specify and integrate motion systems, actuators, sensors, and pneumatics, including component sizing and cycle time analysis
Design industrial control cabinets and panel layouts, cable routing, and harnessing
Design optical and imaging fixtures, including lighting, motion, and alignment, for inline inspection systems
Produce manufacturing-ready documentation: 3D CAD, electrical schematics, BOMs, assembly and work instructions, and test protocols
Coordinate with software and controls engineers on system integration, including motion and vision triggers, sensor interfaces, and PLC and robot controller communication
Build, wire, and debug prototypes in-house, and support installation and commissioning
Support safety and certification activities, including risk assessment, Performance Level analysis, CE marking, EMC/LVD/RoHS, and US NRTL paths
Visit customer sites as required to define requirements and support deployments