Mechanical Engineer

Rhoda ai • Palo Alto, CA

6d

About The Position

At Rhoda AI, we're building the full-stack foundation for the next generation of humanoid robots — from high-performance, software-defined hardware to the foundational models and video world models that control it. Our robots are designed to be generalists capable of operating in complex, real-world environments and handling scenarios unseen in training. We work at the intersection of large-scale learning, robotics, and systems, with a research team that includes researchers from Stanford, Berkeley, Harvard, and beyond. We're not building a feature; we're building a new computing platform for physical work — and with over $400M raised, we're investing aggressively in the R&D, hardware development, and manufacturing scale-up to make that a reality.
We're looking for a Junior Mechanical Engineer to help design and refine our Gen 0 robot platform. You'll work on the physical integration of third-party components — rails, cables, fixtures, and other mechanical improvements — with a focus on safety, reliability, and clean system design. You'll also design and iterate on custom end effectors, fingers, and mounts tailored to specific tasks and use cases. This is a hands-on role with real ownership on a small team building hardware from the ground up.

Requirements

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
• 0–2 years of experience in mechanical design or hardware engineering (internships and co-ops count)
• Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Onshape, or similar) for part and assembly design
• Familiarity with common manufacturing processes — machining, sheet metal, 3D printing — and how they inform design decisions
• Comfort working hands-on with hardware: assembling components, running tests, and troubleshooting physical systems
• Strong attention to detail and ability to follow and contribute to engineering documentation practices
• Eagerness to learn in a fast-moving environment and collaborate across disciplines

Nice To Haves

• Experience designing end effectors, grippers, or task-specific tooling for robotic or automation systems
• Hands-on experience with FDM or SLA 3D printing — including material selection, print settings, and post-processing for functional parts
• Experience with cable routing, harness design, or electromechanical integration
• Exposure to robotics, automation, or other complex mechatronic systems
• Familiarity with GD&T and engineering drawing standards
• Experience participating in design reviews, FMEA, or structured QA processes

Responsibilities

• Design and iterate on mechanical components and assemblies for our robot system, including cable management, rail systems, fixtures, and integration hardware
• Design custom end effectors, fingers, and mounting hardware tailored to specific tasks, and own the rapid prototyping cycle from concept through printed and tested parts
• Support the integration of third-party components into the full system, ensuring fit, function, and compatibility with existing hardware
• Identify and implement design improvements for safety, reliability, and manufacturability
• Create and maintain CAD models, drawings, and BOMs to support design reviews and manufacturing handoffs
• Participate in QA processes and hardware testing — assembling test setups, collecting data, and documenting results
• Assist in root cause analysis when hardware issues arise and propose design solutions
• Collaborate closely with senior mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure designs meet full-system requirements

Benefits

• Get hands-on with Gen 0 hardware from day one — you'll be designing, prototyping, and testing real components on a humanoid robot platform, not running simulations
• Grow fast on a small team where junior engineers get real ownership and direct mentorship from experienced mechanical and systems engineers
• Join at a foundational moment and contribute directly to the physical architecture of a next-generation humanoid robot

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level