As a Mechanical Engineer – Tooling Systems (EOAT) Design Apprentice at Origin (formerly 10xConstruction), you will design the “hands” and “tools” of our robots. You will be responsible for building a complete, modular tooling ecosystem—not just the End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT), but also auxiliary hardware systems (pumps, vacuums, material hoppers, etc.) that dock with the robot to enable general-purpose construction tasks.
This is a high-ownership apprenticeship role where you will work hands-on in the lab and contribute directly to building real robotic tooling systems from scratch.
Key Responsibilities
Tooling System Design
- Lead mechanical design and adaptation (“hacking”) of off-the-shelf power tools (drywall sanders, spray guns, etc.) for robotic use.
- Architect mechanical integration of auxiliary systems (pumps, vacuums, material hoppers, etc.) that dock with the mobile base.
- Design custom mounts, actuators, mechanisms, and fixtures to unlock tool functionality.
Electromechanical Interface Design
- Design modular physical electromechanical interfaces for EOAT and auxiliary systems ensuring robust, repeatable connections.
- Design tool docking stations and manage manipulator cable/conduit routing.
User-Centric Design
- Own the physical UX of the tooling ecosystem so operators can easily service, exchange, and manage tools and modules.
Systems Engineering & Verification & Validation (V&V)
- Translate tool functional requirements into verifiable engineering requirements for payload, precision, reliability, and scalability.
- Develop and execute V&V protocols for tooling systems.
- Conduct DFMEA and risk analysis for tool attachments and interface designs.
Prototyping & Fabrication
- Lead rapid prototyping of tool attachments, docking systems, and interfaces in the hardware lab.
- Use 3D printing, laser cutting, and power tools to build and test concepts quickly.
Collaboration
- Work closely with the Embedded Tooling team to integrate electronics, sensors, and mechanical systems.
- Collaborate with the MoMa team to ensure tooling compatibility with the manipulator and mobile base.
Preferred Qualifications
- Design portfolio showcasing relevant projects.
- Experience/exposure to robotics, mechatronics, or the power tool industry.
Hiring Note
- This is an Apprentice position.
- We are looking for Immediate Joiners (or candidates with minimal notice period).
Requirements
- Graduates only.
- Relevant work experience: >6 months.
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
- Strong proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, etc.) and GD&T.
- Strong mechanism design fundamentals and mechatronics exposure.
- A “tinkerer” mind-set with passion for taking things apart and building new solutions.
Benefits
Why Join Origin?
- Work in a fast-paced robotics start-up building real-world construction automation.
- Own end-to-end tooling development: design → build → test.
- Learn directly in a hands-on lab environment with high-impact work.
- Contribute to robotics systems that can transform the construction industry.
