About Hardhat Robotics
Hardhat Robotics builds field-ready robotic tools that empower skilled workers and eliminate unnecessary risk in the construction industry. Our robots operate in extreme dust, vibration, thermal swings, and shock loads — conditions that expose every weakness a design can have.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Hardware Engineering, you will design, build, and test mechanical components and subsystems from concept through fabrication and field validation. This is a hands-on contributor role: you own real work, collaborate across disciplines, and see the direct impact of your design decisions in the field.
What You’ll DoDesign & Analysis
- Design structural components, brackets, enclosures, and mechanisms using Onshape (strongly preferred) or SolidWorks. Leverage AI-native CAD features — generative design, AI-assisted simulation setup, automated DFM checks — to iterate faster.
- Perform tolerance stack-up analysis and apply GD&T. Collaborate with machine shops and CMs to ensure designs are manufacturable.
- Support FEA and analytical work for structural, vibration, and thermal analysis; translate findings into design changes under senior guidance.
- Maintain clean, revision-controlled CAD models and drawings; support BOM management and part sourcing.
- Use AI tools daily across the engineering workflow — AI-assisted analysis, LLM-aided requirements drafting, Python with AI co-pilots. We expect genuine power-user engagement with these tools.
Build, Test & Field
- Fabricate, assemble, and test prototype hardware in the lab using machine shop, 3D printers, and bench tools.
- Write and execute bench and system-level test procedures; document results and feed findings back into design.
- Support field validation on active construction sites: collect data, identify failure modes, and drive root-cause analysis.
Collaboration
- Work with electrical and SW engineers to integrate subsystems; design for clean cable routing, sensor mounting, and field repairability.
- Participate actively in design reviews. Champion AI tool adoption on the team — share what works and help raise the baseline.
Required Qualifications
- 1–3 years of hands-on mechanical engineering experience in robotics, industrial automation, aerospace, defense, consumer hardware, or comparable.
- Proficiency in Onshape (strongly preferred) or SolidWorks — clean parametric models, manufacturing drawings, cloud-native collaboration.
- Working knowledge of GD&T and tolerance analysis.
- Comfortable in a lab: hand tools, bench equipment, light machine shop. Fabrication experience strongly preferred.
- Genuine enthusiasm for using AI tools daily to accelerate work. This is a cultural requirement, not a nice-to-have.
- Strong communication skills; able to document work clearly and engage productively in technical reviews.
- Comfortable with early-stage ambiguity; bias toward action and iterative improvement.
Preferred
- Robotics: hardware for mobile or field robots — chassis, end effectors, sensor mounts, drive systems.
- Electronics packaging: cable routing, enclosure sizing, PCB mounting, connector access.
- FEA exposure: ANSYS, SolidWorks Simulation, or AI-assisted analysis workflows.
- DFM/manufacturing: working with machine shops or CMs to get parts made correctly and cost-effectively.
What We Offer
- Equity stake — meaningful early-stage grant for people who help build the company.
- Competitive base salary. Full health, dental, and vision. Flexible PTO.
- State-of-the-art machine shop and lab. Regular job-site visits. Direct mentorship from Head of Hardware. Annual L&D stipend.
How to Apply
Send resume and a brief portfolio or project summary showing work you are proud of. Tell us why this mission resonates with you.
careers@hardhat-robotics.com
hardhat-robotics.com
At this time, Hardhat Robotics is not able to support any work Visa requirements.
Individuals seeking employment at Hardhat Robotics are considered without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation.
