Mechanical Engineer, Autonomous Vehicle

Bot Auto•Houston, TX

About The Position

Bot Auto is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to join its Autonomous Hardware team. The engineer will design, develop, and test mechanical systems and components for autonomous vehicle platforms, including sensor racks, equipment brackets, and sensor-cleaning systems. The role involves validating designs through simulation and analysis, leading rapid prototyping and functional validation, and integrating mechanical systems with vehicle architecture in collaboration with electrical, software, and systems engineering teams. The engineer will also work with local fabrication and manufacturing suppliers; troubleshoot and analyze failures; improve vehicle performance, reliability, and manufacturing processes; and apply relevant developments in mechanical engineering and autonomous vehicle technology. Additional work includes creating and maintaining standard operating procedures, training technicians in truck retrofitting, creating and revising bills of materials, and establishing retrofitting processes and quality-control standards.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
At least 3 years of experience in mechanical engineering, preferably in the automotive or autonomous vehicle industry.
Hands-on fabrication skills, including experience with 3D printing, power tools, and hand tools.
Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, CATIA, or an equivalent.
Strong understanding of mechanical systems, materials, and manufacturing processes.
Experience with CAE and other simulation tools.
Knowledge of automotive safety standards and regulations.
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
Strong communication skills and ability to present technical information clearly and concisely.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience with autonomous vehicle systems and technologies.
Knowledge of robotics and mechatronics.
Familiarity with sensor integration.
Experience with additive manufacturing and rapid prototyping techniques.

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and optimize mechanical systems and components for autonomous vehicles, such as sensor racks, equipment brackets, and sensor-cleaning systems.
Conduct simulations and analyses to validate design concepts and ensure performance and safety standards are met.
Lead rapid prototyping and functional validation of designs.
Collaborate with electrical engineers, software developers, and systems engineers to integrate mechanical systems into the overall vehicle architecture.
Source and collaborate with local fabrication and manufacturing suppliers.
Participate in prototyping and testing mechanical components to ensure they meet specifications and performance requirements.
Troubleshoot and resolve mechanical issues with solutions that improve vehicle performance and reliability.
Conduct failure analysis and implement corrective actions to improve design and manufacturing processes.
Stay informed about advancements in mechanical engineering and autonomous vehicle technology and apply relevant knowledge to projects.
Create and maintain SOPs and train technicians in the truck retrofitting process.
Create and revise BOMs to support materials management.
Establish retrofitting processes and quality-control standards.