Senior Mechanical Engineer at MachinaLabs – Chatsworth, California

About Machina Labs:

At Machina Labs, we’re reshaping manufacturing through advanced robotics and machine learning. Our platform uses the largest 7-axis robots on the market to form 2D sheets of metal into complex 3D parts, layer-by-layer.

Traditional sheet metal production was designed for scale, not flexibility. It relies on costly dies and tooling that make lower volume projects prohibitively slow and expensive. We’re changing that. Whether you’re a defense prime building a few thousand airframes or an automaker building next-generation panels, Machina Labs gives you the ability to iterate and manufacture at the speed of software.

With support from the venture arms of Toyota, NVIDIA, and Lockheed Martin, we’re accelerating the future of manufacturing, one where factories are flexible, production is on-demand, and innovation is unconstrained.

Job Description:

Machina Labs is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with robotics hardware experience to lead design and integration of advanced manufacturing and mechatronic systems through our robotic forming platform. This role is ideal for a senior engineer who thrives in hands-on mechanical design, mechanism and structural analysis, system-level architecture, and robotics hardware integration.

The Senior Mechanical Engineer will serve as both individual contributor and technical lead, driving the development of complex robotic systems from concept through production. This individual will collaborate closely with software, controls, embedded, and manufacturing teams while mentoring other engineers and helping guide technical execution.

• Design and develop robotic and mechatronic hardware systems including mechanisms, structures, end-effectors, and integrated sensor/actuator components.
• Own hardware development through the full lifecycle: concept, design, prototyping, testing, validation, and production readiness with accountability ensuring performance, reliability, and manufacturability.
• Collaborate closely with software, embedded, controls, and robotics teams to ensure seamless system integration.
• Produce and release hardware designs, engineering drawings, and technical documentation.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex multidisciplinary issues during development, testing, and production ramp-up.
• Partner with manufacturing and suppliers to support DFM/DFA, sourcing strategies, and scalable production.
• Provide technical mentorship and guidance to engineers across the team.
• Support customer, partner, or investor technical discussions as a subject-matter expert when needed.

• 6+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, robotics, or mechatronic systems.
• B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related field required
• Demonstrated ownership of at least one complex system from concept through deployment or production.
• Hands-on experience designing and integrating mechanism sensors, actuators, and electromechanical assemblies.
• Experience working closely with embedded software, controls, and automation teams.
• Proficiency with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Creo, Inventor, or similar.
• Experience working in fast-paced startup, R&D, or advanced technology environments where scope is broad and iteration is fast.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work across engineering disciplines.

• Background in advanced manufacturing, industrial automation, or robotic production systems.
• Experience with high-precision or high-reliability robotic systems, including hydraulics or pneumatics.
• Experience supporting production systems, field deployments, or customer-facing robotics platforms.
• Proven track record of taking robotic systems from prototype to production.