Senior Mechanical Engineer - Mobile Bots

Exol•Milpitas, CA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

With its A.I.-powered robotic technology platform, Symbotic is changing the way consumer goods move through the supply chain. Intelligent software orchestrates advanced robots in a high-density, end-to-end system – reinventing warehouse automation for increased efficiency, speed and flexibility. We are looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our Mobile Bot Hardware Engineering team within the Hardware Engineering organization. Your job will be to lead the design, development, and validation of critical mechanical systems for our mobile robotics platform, including chassis, drivetrains, actuation systems, sensor integration, and structural components. In this role, you will own key elements of the mechanical architecture from concept through prototyping, testing, and production, helping deliver reliable, high-performance mobile robots at scale. The Mobile Bot Team is part of our Hardware Engineering organization and is responsible for the design and development of Symbotic’s mobile robotic platforms. The team works across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines to build scalable, high-performance robotic systems that operate in complex environments. This includes full lifecycle ownership from concept development through production and deployment, in close collaboration with manufacturing, supply chain, and field teams.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical experience.
Minimum of 8 years of mechanical design experience, including at least 3 years in mobile robotics, automation, AGVs/AMRs, or related electromechanical systems.
Experience designing electromechanical systems for deep freeze and condensing environments.
Demonstrated experience designing mechanisms (kinematics, linkages, articulations, latches, deployable structures) from concept through validation, including load paths, motion envelopes, and fatigue considerations.
Proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred), including GD&T, drawing release, and PLM/PDM systems.
Strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, including mechanics of materials, dynamics, and machine design.
Experience with drivetrain systems, bearings, seals, fastening methods, and motion systems.
Experience with FEA and/or kinematic analysis tools (e.g., SolidWorks Simulation, ANSYS) and tolerance stack-up analysis.
Hands-on experience building and testing prototypes, defining validation plans, and iterating designs based on results.
Advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, injection molding) and DFx principles (DFM/DFA).
Familiarity with safety standards and certifications relevant to mobile robotics (e.g., ISO 3691, ANSI/ITSDF).
Strong communication skills with the ability to present design rationale, trade-offs, and technical decisions to cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Lead the design and development of mobile robot structures, including chassis, wheel/track systems, suspension, motor mounting, payload handling mechanisms, and enclosures.
Specify and integrate motors, gearboxes, wheels/treads, and braking systems; perform torque/speed analysis and durability validation for indoor robotic applications.
Design and refine mechanisms such as linkages, articulations, deployable structures, and latching systems to support mobility and payload handling.
Design and integrate sensor and payload mounting solutions (lidar, cameras, IMUs), including cable routing, thermal considerations, and shock/vibration isolation.
Perform engineering analysis including FEA, tolerance stack-ups, and kinematic analysis; define and drive validation test plans (drop, environmental, lifecycle).
Design for manufacturing, assembly, and service (DFx), including material and process selection (casting, sheet metal, injection molding, machining, additive manufacturing), and partner with suppliers and contract manufacturers.
Maintain CAD models, drawings, BOMs, and design documentation; support ECN/ECO processes and contribute to design reviews.
Collaborate cross-functionally with electrical, firmware, software, manufacturing, and supply chain teams to drive system integration and resolve technical trade-offs.
Guide and mentor junior engineers, providing technical direction and design feedback.