Figure

Robotics

MechanicalEngineer-Hands(CompliantElements)

$120–250k San Jose, California, United States FULL TIME
Market Sentiment
HIGH DEMAND

Neural analysis suggests this role is
optimal for Senior candidates.

The Brief

“Mechanical Engineer - Hands (Compliant Elements) at Figure. Skills: Softgoods, Elastomers, Complex plastics, Injection molding. Design mechanical parts. Design mechanical assemblies”

Industry & Context.

Robotics
Problems you'll solve

Failure Analysis; Corrective Actions

Eligibility Requirements

5 days/week in-office

What They're Looking For.

Must Have

3+ years mechanical engineering, Proven track record softgoods, Proven track record plastics, Proven track record elastomer product design, Expert in 3D CAD software, Extensive experience injection molding, Direct experience elastomers, Direct experience silicones, Direct experience flexible polymers, Experience owning complex mechanical systems, Experience designing complex mechanical systems, Experience defining requirements, Experience with design tradeoffs, Experience with build, Experience with validation, Experience with engineering analysis tools, Experience with simulation tools, Understanding statistical analysis methods, Experience shipping hardware at scale, Experience working with contract manufacturers, Experience working with molders, Experience supporting NPI builds, Experience driving complex Failure Analysis, Familiarity with electromechanical integration

Nice to Have

5+ years of experience, Experience with waterproofing, Experience with ingress protection, Experience with environmental sealing, Experience in controls, Experience in integration, Experience in validation, CATIA V6 experience

What You'll Do.

Design mechanical parts

Design mechanical assemblies

Perform tolerance stack-ups

Review quality reports

Review inspection reports

Support testing efforts

Lead validation efforts

Support validation efforts

Collaborate with electrical engineers

Collaborate with systems teams

Collaborate with integration teams

Partner with supply chain

Partner with contract manufacturers

Partner with toolmakers

Partner with quality teams

Drive softgoods designs

Drive plastic designs

Drive Failure Analysis

Own Corrective Actions

Drive Corrective Actions

Inspect first articles

Support build readiness

Support hardware development

How You'll Work.

Team & Collaboration

Multiple stakeholders; Electrical engineers; Systems teams; Integration teams; Supply chain; Contract manufacturers; Toolmakers; Quality teams

Process & Methodology

NPI

Full Job Description

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of the company is to ship humanoid robots with human level intelligence. Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is based in San Jose, CA and requires 5 days/week in-office collaboration. We are looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer with specific expertise in softgoods, elastomers, and complex plastics to join our Hands team. In this role, you will own the development of advanced robotic hand components and interfaces from concept through production. The ideal candidate has operated in a high-tech, fast-paced environment, is comfortable driving across multiple stakeholders, and has a strong background in materials characterization, complex injection molding, and validation of flexible systems. Robotics experience is not required. Responsibilities: Design mechanical parts and assemblies in 3D CAD that meet structural, durability, manufacturability, and industrial design requirements—with a specific focus on flexible substrates, overmolding, and skin/grip interfaces. Generate accurate 2D drawings using GD&T in accordance with ASME Y14.5. Perform tolerance stack-ups and review quality and inspection reports to ensure design intent is met for both rigid and elastomeric/molded parts. Prototype, build, and test components / systems to validate tactile performance, material durability, reliability, and lifetime requirements. Lead and support testing / validation efforts at the component, module, and system level. Collaborate closely with electrical engineers and systems/integration teams on electromechanical designs, routing, and environmental sealing. Partner with supply chain, contract manufacturers, toolmakers, and quality teams to drive softgoods and plastic designs through NPI and into high-volume production. Own and drive Failure Analysis & Corrective Actions (FA/CA) for complex material, molding, or mechanical

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