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OpenAI

Mechanical Engineer, Sensing

San Francisco$266k–$310kfulltimemidAdded 1 month ago

About this role

Join OpenAI's Robotics team to design and prototype cutting-edge tactile, proprioceptive, and force sensors for general-purpose robots. This role combines mechanical engineering fundamentals with hands-on hardware development, moving sensor subsystems from concept through early production in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

What you'll do

  • Design and iterate mechanical subsystems including tactile sensors, load cells, force-torque sensors, and joint encoders
  • Create CAD models, assemblies, and detailed engineering drawings with proper tolerancing
  • Build and test prototypes, troubleshooting mechanical issues like fit, alignment, and wear
  • Develop test methods and validate sensor performance, durability, calibration, and failure modes
  • Support manufacturing transition with DFM/DFA considerations and collaborate with production partners
  • Analyze test and field data to drive iterative improvements and sustaining engineering efforts

What they're looking for

  • Mechanical system design and robotic sensing
  • CAD software (NX, SolidWorks, or equivalent)
  • Prototyping and hardware debugging
  • GD&T and engineering drawing practices
  • Manufacturing processes (machining, molding, fabrication)
  • Cross-functional hardware-software integration
  • Problem-solving with attention to detail
  • Testing and validation methodologies
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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 tactile or force sensor design you've developed from concept to prototype. What were the key mechanical challenges and how did you validate performance?
  • Describe your experience transitioning a mechanical design from prototype to production. What DFM and DFA considerations were most critical?
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