CAD Prototyping Engineer

Role Overview

The CAD/Prototyping Engineer will be responsible for designing, modeling, and prototyping mechanical components for robotic systems, including quadrupeds, humanoids, and industrial robots. This role involves 3D modeling, rapid prototyping, fabrication, and mechanical validation, ensuring that designs meet functional, structural, and manufacturability requirements.

Key Responsibilities

1. 3D Modeling & CAD Design

• Develop detailed 3D models of robotic components and assemblies using SolidWorks, CATIA, or Autodesk Inventor.
• Generate technical drawings, BOMs (Bill of Materials), and assembly instructions for manufacturing and prototyping.
• Ensure mechanical designs meet performance, durability, and manufacturability criteria, adhering to safety and compliance standards.

2. Prototyping & Fabrication

• Build and assemble prototypes using 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, and rapid prototyping methods.
• Perform hands-on fabrication and mechanical assembly of robotic components, including actuators, linkages, frames, and housings.
• Collaborate with suppliers and machine shops to source high-precision prototype components.

3. Testing & Mechanical Validation

• Conduct physical tests on prototypes to evaluate structural integrity, motion dynamics, and thermal performance.
• Analyze test results to refine designs and improve mechanical efficiency and reliability.
• Document test procedures and findings, contributing to iterative design improvements.

4. Structural Analysis & Optimization

• Assist in structural and thermal analysis using FEA tools such as ANSYS or Abaqus.
• Optimize designs for weight, strength, and cost efficiency, ensuring compliance with operating conditions and environmental factors.
• Improve mechanical robustness to withstand high-load applications in robotics.

5. Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work with robotics and control engineers to integrate mechanical designs with electrical and software systems.
• Collaborate with industrial designers to balance aesthetic, ergonomic, and functional requirements.
• Support automation and robotics teams in hardware integration and testing.

6. Documentation & Standards Compliance

• Maintain comprehensive design documentation, including CAD files, testing reports, and prototyping workflows.
• Ensure compliance with industry safety standards, such as ISO, ASTM, or relevant robotics regulations.
• Update design iterations based on manufacturing and field testing feedback.

Required Skills - Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in CAD design, prototyping, or mechanical engineering, preferably in robotics or industrial automation.
• Hands-on experience in building and testing mechanical prototypes for robotic systems.

Technical Expertise

• CAD & 3D Modeling: Expertise in SolidWorks, CATIA, Autodesk Inventor, or equivalent tools.
• Prototyping & Fabrication: Experience with 3D printing, CNC machining, laser cutting, and precision fabrication methods.
• Material Science: Strong understanding of metals, composites, and engineering plastics used in robotics.
• Mechanical Engineering Principles: Proficiency in kinematics, dynamics, and mechanical linkages.
• FEA & Structural Analysis: Familiarity with ANSYS, Abaqus, or similar FEA tools for validating mechanical designs.

Preferred Skills

• Robotic-Specific Design: Experience designing components for quadrupeds, humanoids, or bionic robotic platforms.
• Manufacturing & Mass Production: Knowledge of injection molding, casting, sheet metal fabrication, and large-scale manufacturing techniques.
• Simulation & Virtual Prototyping: Familiarity with Gazebo, Simulink, or similar simulation tools for virtual validation of mechanical designs.
• Control System Integration: Understanding of how mechanical designs interact with actuators, sensors, and control systems.