Senior Automation & Fixture Mechanical… at STARTECX Inc. · Fremont

1. Position Summary

STARTECX Inc. is seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Design Engineer to lead the mechanical design and development of industrial automation equipment, robotic systems, precision fixtures, and custom manufacturing solutions. This role involves the complete mechanical engineering lifecycle, from concept development and 3D modeling to prototyping, fabrication, assembly, testing, and production deployment.

The ideal candidate has strong expertise in mechanical design, CAD modeling, tolerance analysis, design for manufacturing and assembly (DFM/DFA), and hands-on experience developing complex electromechanical equipment. The candidate will collaborate closely with electrical, controls, robotics, and manufacturing engineers to deliver reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality automation solutions.

2. Key ResponsibilitiesMechanical Design and Development

• Lead the mechanical design of industrial automation equipment, robotic work cells, custom machinery, precision fixtures, and production systems.
• Develop mechanical concepts, layouts, detailed 3D models, and 2D engineering drawings using SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software.
• Design mechanical structures, machine frames, enclosures, brackets, mounting fixtures, motion mechanisms, and precision tooling.
• Perform tolerance stack-up analysis, dimensional analysis, and fit and clearance evaluations to ensure proper functionality and manufacturability.
• Select appropriate materials, mechanical components, linear motion systems, bearings, actuators, fasteners, and pneumatic components.
• Apply design for manufacturing, design for assembly, and design for serviceability principles to optimize cost, reliability, and maintainability.

Prototyping and Equipment Integration

• Lead prototype development, mechanical assembly, equipment integration, and functional validation.
• Work directly with technicians and manufacturing teams to troubleshoot mechanical issues and improve equipment performance.
• Support the integration of robots, sensors, actuators, conveyors, tooling, and other electromechanical components.
• Develop and refine mechanical designs based on testing results, engineering feedback, and customer requirements.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions for mechanical failures, vibration, alignment issues, and reliability concerns.

Manufacturing and Supplier Coordination

• Collaborate with machinists, fabrication vendors, and manufacturing personnel to ensure designs can be produced accurately and efficiently.
• Review machined parts, sheet metal components, welded structures, and assembly drawings for dimensional accuracy and manufacturability.
• Support CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing, and other manufacturing processes as required.
• Review supplier quotations, material specifications, manufacturing feasibility, and mechanical component selections.
• Establish and maintain engineering documentation, bills of materials (BOMs), assembly instructions, and revision-controlled drawings.

Project Leadership and Technical Support

• Lead mechanical engineering projects from initial concept through design release, installation, and final commissioning.
• Define mechanical design requirements, technical milestones, and deliverables in coordination with project managers and engineering leadership.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior mechanical engineers and engineering technicians.
• Coordinate with electrical, controls, robotics, and software engineering teams to resolve cross-functional design issues.
• Support customer design reviews, technical discussions, equipment demonstrations, and on-site installation activities when required.
• Identify opportunities to improve equipment performance, reduce manufacturing costs, shorten development cycles, and enhance product quality.

3. Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in mechanical design and development, preferably involving industrial automation equipment, custom machinery, or precision mechanical systems.
• Advanced proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent 3D CAD software, including part modeling, assemblies, engineering drawings, and design documentation.
• Strong understanding of mechanical engineering fundamentals, including statics, dynamics, materials, fasteners, fits, tolerances, and structural design.
• Demonstrated experience designing mechanical assemblies, machine frames, precision fixtures, tooling, and motion mechanisms.
• Strong knowledge of GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing), tolerance stack-up analysis, and engineering drawing standards.
• Practical knowledge of manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing, and mechanical assembly.
• Experience with prototyping, hands-on equipment integration, testing, troubleshooting, and design validation.
• Ability to manage multiple engineering tasks, solve complex technical problems, and work effectively across engineering disciplines.
• Strong communication, documentation, analytical, and project coordination skills.

4. Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Experience designing robotic work cells, automated production lines, precision inspection equipment, or custom test systems.
• Familiarity with industrial robots, collaborative robots, pneumatic systems, servo motors, linear actuators, and motion control components.
• Experience designing precision fixtures, alignment mechanisms, calibration fixtures, and test equipment.
• Knowledge of Design for Six Sigma (DFSS), failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), root cause analysis, and reliability engineering.
• Experience supporting equipment installation, commissioning, and customer acceptance testing.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality management systems and engineering change control processes.
• Familiar with SolidWorks. Expereicne on system level integration design, prototyping to support design verification and iteration in design for manufacturing.

5. Key Competencies

• Advanced mechanical design and engineering problem-solving.
• Strong attention to detail and dimensional accuracy.
• Hands-on prototyping and practical troubleshooting.
• Cross-functional collaboration and technical leadership.
• Project ownership and accountability.
• Continuous improvement and cost-conscious engineering.

6. Physical and Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to work in an engineering and manufacturing environment with prototype equipment, machinery, and mechanical assemblies.
• Ability to participate in equipment assembly, testing, and troubleshooting activities as needed.
• Ability to travel to customer or supplier sites when required.

Pay: $100,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person