Mechanical Engineer, Dynamometer and Actuator Testing Infrastructure

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.

We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design build and own the mechanical side of our robotic actuator dynamometer and test infrastructure. You will create the test stands couplings fixtures load paths guarding and serviceable lab hardware that enable rigorous characterization of robotic actuators.

This role combines precision mechanical design with hands-on lab work. You will take robotic actuator test infrastructure from requirements and analysis through CAD fabrication assembly commissioning and iteration partnering closely with electrical and software engineers to deliver safe flexible high-uptime test cells.

• Own the mechanical architecture of dynamometer and actuator test cells including frames bases load paths alignment guarding and serviceability.

• Design dynamometer structures robotic actuator fixtures load-motor mounts couplings shafts bearings adapters and torque-reaction hardware.

• Translate robotic actuator test requirements into robust mechanical systems for torque speed thermal durability backdrive efficiency and failure testing.

• Perform first-principles analysis and simulation for stiffness strength fatigue vibration thermal growth critical speed and safety factors.

• Create precise repeatable alignment strategies that protect test articles load machines sensors and couplings.

• Design modular fixturing that supports rapid changeover across actuator and motor variants without compromising measurement quality.

• Work closely with electrical engineers on cable routing enclosures cooling sensor packaging and test-cell safety interfaces.

• Work closely with software and controls engineers to define mechanical limits safe operating envelopes and automated-test constraints.

• Build assemble debug and improve test stands in the lab using measurement and fabrication tools directly.

• Develop guarding containment pinch-point mitigation hard stops and other mechanical safety systems for high-energy rotating equipment.

• Manage fabrication partners and vendors for machined parts weldments bearings couplings sensors and test-stand components.

• Establish drawings tolerance stacks assembly procedures inspection plans and preventive-maintenance practices.

• Use test observations and failure analysis to continuously improve durability usability uptime and measurement fidelity.

• Have strong intuition for load paths stiffness alignment rotating machinery and the practical behavior of real hardware.

• Enjoy designing fixtures and structures that are precise robust safe and easy for others to use.

• Are highly hands-on and comfortable assembling aligning instrumenting and debugging test equipment.

• Can move fluidly between first-principles analysis CAD vendor collaboration and lab iteration.

• Care about details such as tolerances runout resonance thermal growth guarding and serviceability.

• Are comfortable working in fast-moving environments with evolving test needs and aggressive technical goals.

• Take ownership of the full test-stand lifecycle from concept through reliable daily operation.

• Communicate clearly across mechanical electrical controls software safety and operations teams.

• Are motivated by building infrastructure that reveals how advanced robotic actuators really perform.

• Are excited to build mechanical test infrastructure that accelerates robotic actuator development.

• Preferred qualifications

• Bachelors or graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering Robotics Mechatronics or a related field.

• Experience designing mechanical systems for robotic actuator dynamometers robotics automation rotating machinery aerospace automotive or similar high-performance hardware.

• Strong understanding of structures load paths shafts bearings couplings fasteners tolerances alignment and vibration.

• Experience designing fixtures test stands frames guarding and precision mechanical interfaces.

• Proficiency with CAD and drawing release workflows; NX SolidWorks Creo or equivalent experience is welcome.

• Experience with structural thermal fatigue or modal analysis and applying results to practical hardware decisions.

• Hands-on experience with assembly machining metrology alignment and troubleshooting in a lab or prototype environment.

• Familiarity with mechanical safety for rotating equipment containment interlocks and safe operating envelopes.

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.

We are an equal opportunity employer and we do not discriminate on the basis of race religion color national origin sex sexual orientation age veteran status disability genetic information or other applicable legally protected characteristic.

For additional information please see OpenAIs Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement.

Background checks for applicants will be administered in accordance with applicable law and qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment consistent with those laws including the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act for US-based candidates. For unincorporated Los Angeles County workers: we reasonably believe that criminal history may have a direct adverse and negative relationship with the following job duties potentially resulting in the withdrawal of a conditional offer of employment: protect computer hardware entrusted to you from theft loss or damage; return all computer hardware in your possession (including the data contained therein) upon termination of employment or end of assignment; and maintain the confidentiality of proprietary confidential and non-public addition job duties require access to secure and protected information technology systems and related data security obligations.

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