Senior Mechanical Engineer – Fleet Robotics

Job Description

What we need

We are looking for a Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our Fleet Robotics team within our Hardware Engineering organization. Your job will be to lead the mechanical development of a mobile robot product line from concept through production, including hardware design, manufacturing readiness, and sustaining improvements. This role is critical to scaling reliable robotic platforms by combining strong product engineering, contract manufacturer collaboration, and hands-on production problem solving.

What we do

The Fleet Robotics team is part of our Hardware Engineering organization, which is responsible for designing, launching, and sustaining the mobile robotic platforms that power Symbotic’s warehouse automation system. This team develops next-generation robotic hardware while improving current production products for quality, cost, and performance. Fleet Robotics partners closely with Electrical, Software, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Field Operations teams to deliver robust robotic systems at scale.

What you’ll do

• Serve as the mechanical engineering lead for an assigned mobile robot product line, owning hardware from concept, release, production ramp, and sustaining through end-of-life.

• Design and develop mechanical assemblies including structural frames, drive systems, electromechanical packaging, and supporting hardware components.

• Create 3D models, detailed drawings, and BOMs using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD tools.

• Apply DFM/DFA principles to optimize designs for high-volume contract manufacturing and cost-efficient production.

• Act as the primary mechanical engineering interface with contract manufacturers, supporting production builds, troubleshooting defects, and resolving quality escapes through RCCA methods.

• Lead design reviews, engineering changes (ECNs), and documentation updates within PLM/PDM systems.

• Design and implement assembly jigs, production fixtures, and tooling to improve manufacturing quality, throughput, and repeatability

• Support PPAP, FAI, production ramp activities, and travel up to 25% as needed to manufacturing or partner sites.

What you’ll need

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or related technical discipline.

• Minimum of 8 years of mechanical engineering experience, including at least 2 years in robotics, automation, automotive, aerospace, or electromechanical systems.

• Strong proficiency with SolidWorks or similar CAD tools, plus experience with PDM/PLM systems.

• Demonstrated experience supporting contract manufacturers, including DFM reviews, ECNs, and production issue resolution.

• Hands-on experience designing jigs, fixtures, tooling, or manufacturing support equipment.

• Strong understanding of GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and manufacturing methods such as sheet metal, machining, injection molding, and die casting.

• Excellent cross-functional communication skills with the ability to partner effectively with suppliers, manufacturers, and internal engineering teams.

• Willing to travel up to 25% (field site visits).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with mobile robots, AGV, AMR, or warehouse automation systems.

• Familiarity with PPAP, FMEA, and quality systems in high-volume manufacturing environments.

• Experience with structural or thermal FEA using ANSYS or SolidWorks Simulation.

• Exposure to field service troubleshooting, sustaining engineering, or post-launch product support.

• Experience mentoring junior engineers or serving as a technical lead.

Our environment