Mechanical Engineer, AI Data Collection

Collaborative Robotics is seeking an early-career Mechanical Engineer to keep our robot data collection systems running. You will own the day-to-day health of our teleoperation and data collection rigs, working hands-on across mechanical hardware, cabling, basic electrical, and light software. This role sits on the core mechanical engineering team, with a path to grow into robot development work across our hardware programs.

This role is located onsite at our Santa Clara, CA headquarters.

Key Responsibilities:

• Keep the data collection rig fleet healthy and running, including teleoperation leader/follower setups, fixtures, and supporting hardware.

• Diagnose and repair mechanical, electrical, and cabling issues quickly to minimize downtime for the data collection team.

• Build, modify, and improve rigs and fixtures using 80/20 framing, machined and printed parts, brackets, mounts, and cable management.

• Track recurring failures and drive improvements back into rig design and spares strategy.

• Support bring-up of new rigs and workcells as data collection scales.

• Partner with the data collection program manager and technicians to prioritize repairs and improvements.

• Take on mechanical design tasks with the core engineering team as you grow, supporting robot development programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

• 1+ years of hands-on experience building or maintaining electromechanical hardware. Internships, research labs, and robotics competition experience count.

• Comfortable with hand tools, basic electrical troubleshooting, connectors, and cabling.

• Working proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks or similar).

• Willing to occasionally travel.

• Must have and maintain US work authorization.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated passion for robotics through personal projects, FIRST or similar competitions, or research work.

• Experience with robot arms, teleoperation setups, or motion systems.

• Basic scripting ability (Python or similar) for debugging and small tools.

• Experience soldering, crimping, and repairing cable assemblies.

• Familiarity with rapid prototyping (3D printing, laser cutting, basic machining).

The annual base salary range for this position is $140,000- $160,000 base plus equity and comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision plans, 401(k) plan, unlimited paid vacation time, paid sick leave, and parental leave. Our salary ranges are determined by role and experience level. The range reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position in the noted geographic area. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.