Mechanical Product Engineer, Robotics - OpenAI : Job Details

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 physical constraints of robotic platforms.

About The Role

As a Hardware Engineer on the Robotics team, you will help shape the next generation of embodied AI. You'll evaluate and refine new physical configurations—integrating sensors, actuators, and computational elements—to bring our advanced models into the real world. This role offers the chance to influence how our AI scales beyond simulation, ensuring that each design, test, and iteration advances us toward truly adaptive, versatile robotic systems.

This role is based in San Francisco, CA, and requires in-person presence 5 days a week.

You Might Thrive In This Role If You

• Have at least 8 years of experience in consumer or industrial electronics, including 2+ years designing robotics hardware components and systems.
• Have hands-on experience in mechanism design, focusing on actuators, motors, gearing, and limb design.
• Hold a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• Are experienced in DFM, DFA, statistical tolerance analysis, CTF dimensioning, and geometric tolerancing.
• Have a strong understanding of manufacturing processes, materials science, and tolerance analysis.
• Possess excellent 3D CAD skills in leading design tools, including basic strength analysis.
• Have strong technical communication skills with engineers, software teams, and cross-functional partners.

Additional, Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with thermal cooling solutions for hardware or sensor integration.
• Experience designing mechanical systems for high-volume production (1M+ units).
• Experience problem-solving on assembly lines and leading CM teams through all design phases.

About OpenAI

OpenAI is dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose AI benefits all humanity. We push the boundaries of AI capabilities and seek safe deployment through our products. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to equal opportunity employment.