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Rhoda AI

Mechanical Engineer

Palo Alto, CAPosted 1 months ago
FullTimeonsiteentry

Job Description

At Rhoda AI, we're building the full-stack foundation for the next generation of humanoid robots — from high-performance, software-defined hardware to the foundational models and video world models that control it. Our robots are designed to be generalists capable of operating in complex, real-world environments and handling scenarios unseen in training. We work at the intersection of large-scale learning, robotics, and systems, with a research team that includes researchers from Stanford, Berkeley, Harvard, and beyond. We're not building a feature; we're building a new computing platform for physical work — and with over $400M raised, we're investing aggressively in the R&D, hardware development, and manufacturing scale-up to make that a reality.

We're looking for a Junior Mechanical Engineer to help design and refine our Gen 0 robot platform. You'll work on the physical integration of third-party components — rails, cables, fixtures, and other mechanical improvements — with a focus on safety, reliability, and clean system design. You'll also design and iterate on custom end effectors, fingers, and mounts tailored to specific tasks and use cases. This is a hands-on role with real ownership on a small team building hardware from the ground up.

What You'll Do

  • Design and iterate on mechanical components and assemblies for our robot system, including cable management, rail systems, fixtures, and integration hardware

  • Design custom end effectors, fingers, and mounting hardware tailored to specific tasks, and own the rapid prototyping cycle from concept through printed and tested parts

  • Support the integration of third-party components into the full system, ensuring fit, function, and compatibility with existing hardware

  • Identify and implement design improvements for safety, reliability, and manufacturability

  • Create and maintain CAD models, drawings, and BOMs to support design reviews and manufacturing handoffs

  • Participate in QA processes and hardware testing — assembling test setups, collecting data, and documenting results

  • Assist in root cause analysis when hardware issues arise and propose design solutions

  • Collaborate closely with senior mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure designs meet full-system requirements

What We're Looking For

  • BS in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field

  • 0–2 years of experience in mechanical design or hardware engineering (internships and co-ops count)

  • Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Onshape, or similar) for part and assembly design

  • Familiarity with common manufacturing processes — machining, sheet metal, 3D printing — and how they inform design decisions

  • Comfort working hands-on with hardware: assembling components, running tests, and troubleshooting physical systems

  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow and contribute to engineering documentation practices

  • Eagerness to learn in a fast-moving environment and collaborate across disciplines

Nice to Have (But Not Required)

  • Experience designing end effectors, grippers, or task-specific tooling for robotic or automation systems

  • Hands-on experience with FDM or SLA 3D printing — including material selection, print settings, and post-processing for functional parts

  • Experience with cable routing, harness design, or electromechanical integration

  • Exposure to robotics, automation, or other complex mechatronic systems

  • Familiarity with GD&T and engineering drawing standards

  • Experience participating in design reviews, FMEA, or structured QA processes

Why This Role

  • Get hands-on with Gen 0 hardware from day one — you'll be designing, prototyping, and testing real components on a humanoid robot platform, not running simulations

  • Grow fast on a small team where junior engineers get real ownership and direct mentorship from experienced mechanical and systems engineers

  • Join at a foundational moment and contribute directly to the physical architecture of a next-generation humanoid robot

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51-200 employees
Palo Alto, US
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