Design and build mechanical components for robotics, conduct systems integration, prototype testing, and vendor engagement for material sourcing.
Chef Robotics is accelerating the deployment of intelligent machines in the physical world, starting with food production—a sector facing the largest labor shortage in the U.S., with 1.14M unfilled jobs today and 3.1M projected by 2030. These roles cannot be offshored, making robotics essential to keeping production onshore and strengthening America’s manufacturing base. Backed by investors like Kleiner Perkins, Construct, Bloomberg Beta, and Promus Ventures, and supported by a world-class team from companies such as Cruise, Zoox, Google, Tesla, and Amazon Robotics, Chef is rapidly scaling with multiple multi-year contracts and a mission to put an intelligent robot in every commercial kitchen.
About the Role
You will design and build mechatronic components for robotic and automation systems, specifically focusing on end effectors and manipulation systems. You will be responsible for the full development lifecycle, from rapid prototyping and lab-based testing to system integration and vendor coordination. Collaborating across software, electrical, and industrial design teams, you will ensure the delivery of robust, scalable robotic solutions for Chef systems.
What You'll Do
- Design and build various mechanical/mechatronics components for automated control systems and robotics
- Design end effectors and manipulation systems
- Work with multiple teams to create, analyze, and develop mechanical and industrial designs for the Chef System.
- Do systems integration to create a full robotic system
- Work in the Chef lab to design, prototype, test, and launch various mechanical and industrial components.
- Engage with vendors to identify, select, and source materials for mechatronic system designs.
- Design and build processes to test systems and conduct reliability testing; conduct studies to determine the feasibility, costs, or performance benefits of new mechatronic equipment.
What You Bring
- Shipped hardware to production
- BS, MS, or PhD in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
- 5+ years of on-the-job work experience in mechanical design or robotics.
- Proficiency in SolidWorks CAD, CAM, solid modeling, surface modeling, and sheet metal.
- Proficiency with fabrication drawings, 2D drawings, and knowledge of GD&T.
- Accomplished the full product cycle - from conceptualization to design to release to redesign.
- Strong understanding of FEA, risk analysis, solid mechanics, heat, and stress transfer simulation.
You are (Optional)
- Experienced with early start-ups or the food and beverage industry.
- Experienced with PLCs, ubuntu, depth cameras.
- Familiar with the Robot Operating System (ROS), Python, Arduino, C++, or Electromechanical system design.
- Familiar with thermodynamics.
Top Skills
Arduino
C++
Cam
Python
Robot Operating System (Ros)
Solidworks Cad
Chef Robotics San Francisco, California, USA Office
986 Mission St.,, San Francisco, CA, United States, 94103
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