Mechanical Engineer
Rhoda AI
Palo Alto, CA, USA
Location
Palo Alto
Employment Type
Full time
Department
Hardware
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 Junior Mechanical Engineer to help design and refine our Gen 0 robot platform. You'll work on the physical integration of third-party components — rails, cables, fixtures, and other mechanical improvements — with a focus on safety, reliability, and clean system design. You'll also design and iterate on custom end effectors, fingers, and mounts tailored to specific tasks and use cases. This is a hands-on role with real ownership on a small team building hardware from the ground up.
What You'll Do
Design and iterate on mechanical components and assemblies for our robot system, including cable management, rail systems, fixtures, and integration hardware
Design custom end effectors, fingers, and mounting hardware tailored to specific tasks, and own the rapid prototyping cycle from concept through printed and tested parts
Support the integration of third-party components into the full system, ensuring fit, function, and compatibility with existing hardware
Identify and implement design improvements for safety, reliability, and manufacturability
Create and maintain CAD models, drawings, and BOMs to support design reviews and manufacturing handoffs
Participate in QA processes and hardware testing — assembling test setups, collecting data, and documenting results
Assist in root cause analysis when hardware issues arise and propose design solutions
Collaborate closely with senior mechanical, electrical, and software engineers to ensure designs meet full-system requirements
What We're Looking For
BS in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field
0–2 years of experience in mechanical design or hardware engineering (internships and co-ops count)
Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Onshape, or similar) for part and assembly design
Familiarity with common manufacturing processes — machining, sheet metal, 3D printing — and how they inform design decisions
Comfort working hands-on with hardware: assembling components, running tests, and troubleshooting physical systems
Strong attention to detail and ability to follow and contribute to engineering documentation practices
Eagerness to learn in a fast-moving environment and collaborate across disciplines
Nice to Have (But Not Required)
Experience designing end effectors, grippers, or task-specific tooling for robotic or automation systems
Hands-on experience with FDM or SLA 3D printing — including material selection, print settings, and post-processing for functional parts
Experience with cable routing, harness design, or electromechanical integration
Exposure to robotics, automation, or other complex mechatronic systems
Familiarity with GD&T and engineering drawing standards
Experience participating in design reviews, FMEA, or structured QA processes
Why This Role
Get hands-on with Gen 0 hardware from day one — you'll be designing, prototyping, and testing real components on a humanoid robot platform, not running simulations
Grow fast on a small team where junior engineers get real ownership and direct mentorship from experienced mechanical and systems engineers
Join at a foundational moment and contribute directly to the physical architecture of a next-generation humanoid robot