Principal Mechanical Engineer

Reframe Systems • Andover, MA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Reframe Systems is a Physical AI and robotics company focused on making high-performance housing attainable and abundant. We utilize a vertically integrated delivery model and highly automated microfactories to produce climate-resilient homes and buildings with greater speed and predictability than traditional construction. Our volumetric modular buildings are manufactured in our Andover, MA microfactory, with plans for expansion across North America. We are building a system that balances repeatability with site-responsive design, allowing for homes adaptable to each site, community, and customer need. Our team comprises experts in architecture, robotics, design engineering, software, factory operations, and field delivery, all dedicated to transforming housing delivery. We are seeking a Principal Mechanical Engineer to drive our factory vision at the system level and translate it into execution at FAB1, our first microfactory. This role involves defining and standardizing the mechanical, robotics, and automation building blocks for future factories. The ideal candidate is passionate about designing robust mechanical systems and actively participating in building, testing, and deploying production hardware. This hands-on technical leader will be instrumental in assembling equipment, troubleshooting on the factory floor, and validating designs in real-time. Key responsibilities include setting engineering standards for GD&T, detailed drawing generation, and structural analysis (FEA), bridging the gap between R&D concepts and industrial-grade reliability.

Requirements

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
• 8+ years of experience in machine design, industrial automation, or heavy equipment engineering.
• Expert-level CAD skills (Onshape preferred) with a portfolio demonstrating complex assembly management.
• Strong proficiency in GD&T: You can read, write, and explain geometric dimensioning and tolerancing to ensure manufacturability and inspectability.
• Simulation experience: Practical experience using FEA (Ansys, SolidWorks Sim, or cloud-native tools) to validate structural loads and deflection.
• Commissioning experience: Proven track record of bringing hardware from the design phase to full operation in a factory or industrial setting.
• Hands-on capability: You are comfortable using hand tools, power tools, and basic shop equipment (mills, lathes, etc.) to modify parts or build prototypes.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with large-scale gantry systems or robotic workcells.
• Background in the construction, automotive, or aerospace industries.
• Experience designing welding fixtures or heavy-duty material handling equipment.
• Familiarity with PDM/PLM systems and version control in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead FAB1 Commissioning: Take ownership of key mechanical subsystems during the factory launch. Troubleshoot assembly issues, oversee equipment installation, and validate system performance against requirements.
• High-Fidelity Design & Documentation: Create complex 2D technical drawings for fabrication and assembly. You will be the internal standard-bearer for GD&T (ASME Y14.5), ensuring parts are manufactured to tolerance and fit the first time.
• Structural Analysis (FEA): Perform Finite Element Analysis on fixtures, gantries, and end-effectors to ensure safety factors and structural rigidity meet industrial standards before fabrication.
• Detailed Mechanical Design: Design robust mechanical systems using Onshape, from large weldments and safety enclosures to precision grippers and fixtures.
• Vendor & Fabrication Management: Liaise with external machine shops and vendors. Your detailed drawing packages will be the primary communication tool to ensure external partners deliver quality parts on schedule.
• Root Cause Analysis: When things break (and they will), lead the investigation. Use data and physical inspection to identify failure modes and implement permanent engineering fixes.
• Mentorship: Act as a technical mentor to engineers across the team, modeling best practices in design review, documentation, and safety.

What This Job Offers

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