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OpenAI

Mechanical Design Engineer

San Francisco$295k–$380kfulltimemidAdded 1 month ago

About this role

OpenAI's Robotics team seeks a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design and refine mechanical subsystems for advanced robotic platforms. You'll lead hardware development from prototype through production, collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanical components with AI and control systems in San Francisco.

What you'll do

  • Lead mechanical subsystem design including structures, mechanisms, and actuators with proper tolerancing and documentation
  • Build and test prototypes, troubleshooting fit, alignment, friction, and wear issues
  • Develop test methods to validate performance, durability, and failure modes
  • Support manufacturing transition and collaborate with production partners on assembly and process improvements
  • Analyze test results and field data to drive iterative design enhancements
  • Support sustaining engineering by investigating failures and implementing corrective actions

What they're looking for

  • Mechanical system design (tolerance, alignment, load paths, wear analysis)
  • CAD tools (NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent)
  • Robotics and electromechanical systems
  • GD&T and engineering drawing practices
  • Manufacturing processes (machining, molding, fabrication)
  • Prototyping and hands-on hardware debugging
  • Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA)
  • Cross-functional collaboration and technical documentation
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OpenAI

OpenAI builds AI infrastructure and products, including large-scale data center campuses for AI computing and generative AI applications for enterprise customers. The company is hiring civil engineers, project engineers, electrical design engineers, data center R&D engineers, and AI deployment engineers to expand its infrastructure capabilities and help customers deploy AI solutions.

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Likely interview questions

  • Walk us through a robotic subsystem you designed from concept to production. How did you handle tolerance stack-up and ensure manufacturability?
  • Describe your experience debugging mechanical fit, alignment, or wear issues in a prototype. What was your approach and what did you learn?
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