Foundation Robotics Labs Inc.
Mechanical Engineer Powertrain (Autonomous Vehicle Team)
Foundation Robotics Labs Inc., San Francisco, California, United States, 94199
Overview
Foundation is developing the future of general purpose robotics and electric mobility with the goal to save lives and augment human labor. Our mission is to create an autonomous, crewless ATV built to be truly all-terrain. Designed for commercial and defense use, it can save lives and take on heavy transport across mining, agriculture, construction, and more. We are on the lookout for extraordinary engineers and scientists to join our team. Your previous experience in robotics isn't a prerequisite — it's your talent and determination that truly count. We expect that many of our team members will bring diverse perspectives from various industries and fields. We are looking for individuals with a proven record of exceptional ability and a history of creating things that work. Our Culture
We like to be frank and honest about who we are, so that people can decide for themselves if this is a culture they resonate with. Please read more about our culture here https://foundation.bot/culture Who should join
You like working in person with a team in San Francisco. You deeply believe that this is the most important mission for humanity and needs to happen yesterday. You are highly technical - regardless of the role you are in. We are building technology; you need to understand technology well. You care about aesthetics and design inside out. If it's not the best product ever, it bothers you, and you need to “fix” it. You don\'t need someone to motivate you; you get things done. Why We Are Hiring for This Role
Design multi-stage reduction drives, differential layouts, and belt/pulley interfaces to meet torque, speed, and packaging targets. S elect bearing types, define fits, preload/endplay strategy, and optimize shaft geometry and retention methods. Design precision bores, shoulder geometry, retention plates, and sealing strategies; manage tolerance stack-up and thermal growth paths. Define gear macro- and microgeometry (mod, pressure angle, helix, crowning); perform contact stress, bending, and efficiency analysis. Design gearbox housings as structural precision components defining shaft alignment, bearing preload, and endplay. Work with build and test teams to validate preload, backlash, and noise performance; support root cause investigations and iterative improvement. Perform preload sensitivity analysis vs. torque, temperature, and manufacturing tolerance (stack-up). What Kind of Person We Are Looking For
B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or closely related field. 5+ years hands-on experience in gearbox, driveline, or power transmission design (EV, off-highway, or motorsport preferred). Bearing and shaft system design (fits, preload, shimming, retention). Spur/helical/bevel gear design and analysis (AGMA, ISO 6336, or equivalent). Tolerance analysis and geometric dimensioning (GD&T). Aluminum and steel housing design for precision rotating assemblies. Proficiency with CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks; exposure to Romax, KISSsoft, MASTA, or similar gear/bearing software. Familiarity with FEA tools (Ansys, Abaqus) for stress and deflection verification. Understanding of NVH fundamentals, thermal expansion management, and lubrication system design. Excellent communication and documentation skills—able to justify design choices analytically. We provide market standard benefits (health, vision, dental, 401k, etc.). Join us for the culture and the mission, not for the benefits. The annual compensation is expected to be between $150,000 - $1,000,000. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.
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Foundation is developing the future of general purpose robotics and electric mobility with the goal to save lives and augment human labor. Our mission is to create an autonomous, crewless ATV built to be truly all-terrain. Designed for commercial and defense use, it can save lives and take on heavy transport across mining, agriculture, construction, and more. We are on the lookout for extraordinary engineers and scientists to join our team. Your previous experience in robotics isn't a prerequisite — it's your talent and determination that truly count. We expect that many of our team members will bring diverse perspectives from various industries and fields. We are looking for individuals with a proven record of exceptional ability and a history of creating things that work. Our Culture
We like to be frank and honest about who we are, so that people can decide for themselves if this is a culture they resonate with. Please read more about our culture here https://foundation.bot/culture Who should join
You like working in person with a team in San Francisco. You deeply believe that this is the most important mission for humanity and needs to happen yesterday. You are highly technical - regardless of the role you are in. We are building technology; you need to understand technology well. You care about aesthetics and design inside out. If it's not the best product ever, it bothers you, and you need to “fix” it. You don\'t need someone to motivate you; you get things done. Why We Are Hiring for This Role
Design multi-stage reduction drives, differential layouts, and belt/pulley interfaces to meet torque, speed, and packaging targets. S elect bearing types, define fits, preload/endplay strategy, and optimize shaft geometry and retention methods. Design precision bores, shoulder geometry, retention plates, and sealing strategies; manage tolerance stack-up and thermal growth paths. Define gear macro- and microgeometry (mod, pressure angle, helix, crowning); perform contact stress, bending, and efficiency analysis. Design gearbox housings as structural precision components defining shaft alignment, bearing preload, and endplay. Work with build and test teams to validate preload, backlash, and noise performance; support root cause investigations and iterative improvement. Perform preload sensitivity analysis vs. torque, temperature, and manufacturing tolerance (stack-up). What Kind of Person We Are Looking For
B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or closely related field. 5+ years hands-on experience in gearbox, driveline, or power transmission design (EV, off-highway, or motorsport preferred). Bearing and shaft system design (fits, preload, shimming, retention). Spur/helical/bevel gear design and analysis (AGMA, ISO 6336, or equivalent). Tolerance analysis and geometric dimensioning (GD&T). Aluminum and steel housing design for precision rotating assemblies. Proficiency with CATIA, NX, or SolidWorks; exposure to Romax, KISSsoft, MASTA, or similar gear/bearing software. Familiarity with FEA tools (Ansys, Abaqus) for stress and deflection verification. Understanding of NVH fundamentals, thermal expansion management, and lubrication system design. Excellent communication and documentation skills—able to justify design choices analytically. We provide market standard benefits (health, vision, dental, 401k, etc.). Join us for the culture and the mission, not for the benefits. The annual compensation is expected to be between $150,000 - $1,000,000. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.
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