Mechanical Engineer, Sensing

Compensation

The base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. If the role is non-exempt, overtime pay will be provided consistent with applicable laws. In addition to the salary range listed above, total compensation also includes generous equity, performance-related bonus(es) for eligible employees, and the following benefits.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts

• Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses (parking and transit)

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match

• Paid parental leave (up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents), plus paid medical and caregiver leave (up to 8 weeks)

• Paid time off: flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees

• 13+ paid company holidays, and multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year for focus and recharge, plus paid sick or safe time (1 hour per 30 hours worked, or more, as required by applicable state or local law)

• Mental health and wellness support

• Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage

• Annual learning and development stipend to fuel your professional growth

• Daily meals in our offices, and meal delivery credits as eligible

• Relocation support for eligible employees

• Additional taxable fringe benefits, such as charitable donation matching and wellness stipends, may also be provided.

About the Team

Our Robotics team is focused on unlocking general-purpose robotics and pushing towards AGI-level intelligence in dynamic, real-world settings. Working across the entire model stack, we integrate cutting-edge hardware and software to explore a broad range of robotic form factors. We strive to seamlessly blend high-level AI capabilities with the constraints of physical systems to improve peoples’ lives.

About the Role

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design and prototype novel tactile, proprioceptive and force sensor solutions. You will work closely with experienced engineers and cross-functional partners to set functional requirements, develop and iterate on hardware to meet program expectations.

This role is aimed at candidates with strong fundamentals in mechanical system design and robotic sensing including tactile sensors, force sensing and position sensing. You will contribute to real hardware programs moving from prototype through early production. You will lead both new sensor subsystem development and ongoing improvements to existing systems based on testing, field performance, and manufacturing feedback.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and iteration of mechanical subsystems, including tactile sensors, load cells, force torque sensors and joint encoders.

• Create and maintain CAD models, assemblies, and drawings with appropriate tolerancing and documentation.

• Build and test prototypes, supporting debugging of mechanical issues such as fit, alignment, friction, and wear.

• Assist in developing test methods and executing validation to evaluate performance, durability, calibration and failure modes.

• Work with cross-functional teams to integrate mechanical components with sensors, actuators, and control systems.

• Support transition of designs from prototype to manufacturable assemblies, incorporating DFM and DFA considerations.

• Collaborate with manufacturing partners and internal build teams to support assembly, troubleshooting, and process improvement.

• Analyze test results and field data to identify issues and drive iterative design improvements.

• Document designs, test results, and changes to support repeatability and production readiness.

• Support sustaining engineering efforts by investigating failures, tracking issues, and implementing corrective actions.

You might thrive in this role if you

• Have strong mechanical intuition and have previous experience designing novel mechanical or electrical subsystems for robotic subsystems.

• Enjoy hands-on work building, testing, and debugging physical systems.

• Are comfortable iterating quickly and learning from incomplete or evolving requirements.

• Can break down problems and work through details such as tolerances, interfaces, and assembly constraints.

• Are proactive in seeking feedback and alignment with cross-functional partners.

• Are detail-oriented and value clear documentation and repeatability.

• Have experience scaling physical products from prototyping through high volume production.

Preferred qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

• 5+ years experience in mechanical design, robotics, or electromechanical systems.

• Experience with CAD tools (e.g., NX, SolidWorks, or similar).

• Familiarity with manufacturing processes such as machining, screen printing, lamination, molding, or basic fabrication methods.

• Familiarity with high volume GD&T, engineering drawings and tolerancing practices.

• Experience with prototyping, lab work, or hardware bring-up.

• Experience working on multidisciplinary projects involving hardware and software integration.

About OpenAI

OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity. We push the boundaries of the capabilities of AI systems and seek to safely deploy them to the world through our products. AI is an extremely powerful tool that must be created with safety and human needs at its core, and to achieve our mission, we must encompass and value the many different perspectives, voices, and experiences that form the full spectrum of humanity.

Benefits

OpenAI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, paid parental leave, and more.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

OpenAI is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment for all employees. We strive to foster a culture of belonging, where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their best work.

How to Apply

If you are a motivated and talented individual who is passionate about AI and robotics, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. Please submit your resume and cover letter through our website.