Lead Engineer (Mechanical)

Building mechanical subsystems of the robot that enable it to face the real world across different terrains including grassy, rocky, deformable, slippery, and hard surfaces, as well as diverse environments with hot, cold, rain, and dusty conditions, while operating for longer durations with high power efficiency focused on maximizing useful work done per charge cycle of the battery.

Core Responsibilities
Driving build-test-learn iterations of the mechanical subsystems of quadruped robots End-to-end execution from conception to manufacturing of mechanical subsystems Critical analysis of the existing designs and mechanisms (from research literature, books, and commercial robots) Preparing the design envelope of a mechanical subsystem (desired functionality, constraints, timelines, manufacturing processes, budget) Specifically focus on the thermal performance, noise signature, ingress protection, and handling shock loads

Hard Skills
Experience in building dynamic mechanical systems (robotics/automotive/aerospace) with hands-on prototyping and testing Strong fundamentals: solid mechanics, machine design, FEA, thermodynamics, mechanical losses (thermal, vibration, noise) Expert in SolidWorks and Ansys FEA simulation with proper engineering understanding Knowledge of materials for high-stress, lightweight applications Precision manufacturing (CNC, injection molding, sheet metal) and tolerance analysis (GD&T)

Essential Mindset
Adaptability & Startup Resilience: Thrives in uncertain environments with changing priorities, comfortable with resource constraints Communication & Collaboration: Effectively explains technical concepts to diverse audiences and collaborates constructively across teams Ownership & Initiative: Takes full responsibility for outcomes and proactively identifies and solves problems without waiting for direction Learning Agility: Rapidly acquires new skills, stays current with industry trends, and actively shares knowledge with teammates Mission Alignment: Genuinely excited about xTerra's vision, with a deep understanding of target users and problems being solved