At Rhoda AI, we're building the full-stack foundation for the next generation of humanoid robots — from high-performance, software-defined hardware to the foundational models and video world models that control it. Our robots are designed to be generalists capable of operating in complex, real-world environments and handling scenarios unseen in training. We work at the intersection of large-scale learning, robotics, and systems, with a research team that includes researchers from Stanford, Berkeley, Harvard, and beyond. We're not building a feature; we're building a new computing platform for physical work — and with over $400M raised, we're investing aggressively in the R&D, hardware development, and manufacturing scale-up to make that a reality.

We're looking for a Staff Mechanical Engineer specializing in gears and actuator design to develop and optimize the advanced mechanical systems that power our humanoid platform.

What You'll Do

• Develop and optimize designs for various gear types — planetary, strain wave (Harmonic Drives), cycloidal, ball screws, belt drives, lead screws, and magnetic gear systems — with a focus on high specific torque, efficiency, and reliability

• Conduct thermal analysis and design for both passive and active cooling systems to ensure system durability

• Integrate torque and force sensing technologies into actuator designs for precise control and monitoring

• Support industrialization and production of designed systems, ensuring reliability, manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and scalability

• Collaborate with electrical and software teams to integrate mechanical designs with control systems and ensure system-level performance

• Participate in prototype development, conduct testing, and analyze results to refine designs

• Lead project initiatives, manage timelines, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality designs

• Stay current on advancements in gears, actuators, and mechanical systems and apply that knowledge to product performance

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; advanced degree (Master's or PhD) preferred

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering with a strong focus on gears and actuator design

• Proven track record designing and analyzing complex mechanical systems, particularly geared actuators

• Strong proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) and FEA tools for design and simulation

• Excellent understanding of mechanical principles, materials science, and manufacturing processes

• Experience with electric motors, drives, and motion control systems

• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to lead projects, mentor team members, and interface with stakeholders

Nice to Have (But Not Required)

• Experience designing actuators for humanoid robots, collaborative robots, or high-DoF manipulation systems

• Familiarity with backdrivability requirements and transparent actuation for AI-driven control

• Experience with series elastic actuators (SEA) or variable stiffness mechanisms

• Background in DFM and scaling hardware from prototype to production

Why This Role

• Design the actuators that give our humanoid its physical capability — the mechanical systems you build are the foundation everything else in the robot stack depends on

• Work at the frontier of actuator design for physical AI, where the performance bar is set by what real-world autonomy actually demands

• High ownership in a small, fast-moving team with direct influence over the mechanical architecture of a next-generation humanoid platform