Principal Mechatronics Engineer

Outrider•Henderson, CO

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Outrider, a pioneer in autonomous yard operations for logistics hubs, aims to improve safety and efficiency for large enterprises by eliminating hazardous and repetitive manual tasks. The company is focused on automating all aspects of yard operations and driving the adoption of sustainable freight transportation through zero-emission systems. Outrider is a private company supported by top-tier investors like NEA, 8VC, and Koch Disruptive Technologies. This Principal Mechatronics Engineer role is a high-impact, hands-on technical leadership position responsible for the full lifecycle of Outrider's next-generation robotic arm and end effectors. Reporting to the Senior Manager of Hardware Engineering, the role involves owning the mechanical architecture from concept to field deployment, setting engineering standards, and making critical design decisions to ensure product reliability and scalability. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in electromechanical systems, a strong focus on reliability and durability, and the ability to mentor mechanical engineers. This mission-critical role is key to delivering a safety-critical system for industrial automation and offers the chance to develop a market-defining enterprise product that merges autonomous vehicle technology with a SaaS business model. The company is looking for someone who is passionate about driving zero-emission, self-driving vehicle adoption and helping to define and lead a new category of robotic automation for enterprises. The position is based in Denver, CO, with hybrid/remote possibilities considered on a case-by-case basis.

Requirements

8+ years of experience with integrated hardware/software systems such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other industrial automation products
BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related discipline
Demonstrated experience owning mechanical system architecture end-to-end, including requirements, design, analysis, and validation
Deep expertise in designing and documenting machined parts, weldments, sheet metal, and assemblies with full GD&T and tolerance stack-up analysis
Experience applying DFM principles to machined parts, sheet metal, weldments, and molded or cast components, with demonstrated ability to reduce part complexity and manufacturing cost without compromising performance
Experience leading reliability programs — FMEA, root cause analysis, corrective action — on fielded hardware systems
Proficiency with FEA and the ability to guide others in applying simulation to design decisions
Experience with PDM systems and formal part release processes
Experience designing and integrating sensors into electromechanical systems
Track record of mentoring engineers and raising the technical quality of a team
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship, now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

Experience with robotic manipulator design, including joint design, linkage synthesis, and actuation selection
Experience designing hardware for hardened outdoor environments (ingress protection, thermal cycling, vibration, shock)
Familiarity with cable harness design and sensor wiring in integrated systems
Working knowledge of Python and/or C++ for test automation or hardware-in-the-loop validation
Familiarity with functional safety standards (IEC 61508, ISO 26262, or similar) in the context of safety-critical hardware design

Responsibilities

Own the mechanical architecture of advanced robotic manipulation, including end effector, actuation, and hardware systems, from requirements definition through design, validation, and field release
Define and maintain engineering standards for CAD, GD&T, tolerance analysis, and documentation across the mechanical team
Apply design for manufacturability (DFM) principles throughout the design process, collaborating with vendors and contract manufacturers to ensure designs are producible, cost-effective, and scalable from prototype to production volumes
Lead design reviews and provide technical mentorship to Mechanical Engineer I/II team members
Partner with software, electrical, and systems engineering teams to define HW/SW interface requirements and ensure integrated system performance
Evaluate and select vendors and components; lead supplier development efforts for critical or custom hardware
Lead reliability initiatives, including failure mode analysis (FMEA/FTA), design for reliability, and systematic corrective action to improve durability, safety, and lifecycle cost across the fleet
Identify and resolve systemic mechanical risks across the product line before they reach the field