Mechanical Engineer (Hands Team)

**About Us**

Foundation is developing the future of general purpose robotics with the goal to [_address the labor shortage._](https://share.polymail.io/v1/z/b/NjYyMmI4MThkNzMw/5alY8ShNDXEosfFKZyUZuTXEhYt3pLjXRmAMVunRXlK3USw6hLs5dIaPO0gp3y9abp6xEAMig9AEKzfLE8sqn9lIByRHH0wlxTOua2tLFeS4A6AYSRquJyiE_S55wF8KMdm4sNe0ayWxxaxD46QNdDhohDtkhjzHNi-B-l7-RgBpoB2A7qEGG7OREui61hIOWHLXwLekOkP6RuciamM65QXdyE_2oZNkrWnABp_ytulRmAmSkFfHSTd445MvXowZ47OKyGx2)

Our mission is to create advanced robots that can operate in complex environments, reducing human risk in conflict zones and enhancing efficiency in labor-intensive industries.

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.

All positions are based in San Francisco.

**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_](https://foundation.bot/culture).

**Why are We Hiring for this Role**

• Tackle the hardest unsolved problem in robotics hardware: human-like dexterous manipulation in the real world
• Design and develop mechanical architectures for humanoid robotic hands, including joints, structures, and tendon-driven actuation systems.
• Design/select and integrate tendons, actuators, routing hardware, transmission mechanisms and electronics in extremely space-constrained environments
• Prototype, test, and iterate hand designs to meet strength, dexterity, durability, and manufacturability goals
• Conduct stress, fatigue, and failure analysis
• Select materials for tendons and structures (hard and soft) based on a variety of criteria: strength, friction, flexibility, wear resistance.
• Evaluate materials for flexibility, grip, and wear resistance, including soft materials where applicable

**What Kind of Person are We Looking For**

• Shipped hard-to-build, hard-to-make-reliable products at industrial scale
• Self starter, high accountability and high sense of ownership of their work
• Strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles and hands-on experience in robotics, automotive, or a related field
• Experience with complex assemblies and kinematic systems under tight spatial constraints
• Understanding of manufacturing processes (CNC machining, injection molding, stamping, additive manufacturing, etc.)
• Familiarity with control systems and mechatronics
• Hands-on prototyping experience
• Plus: Prior experience with tendon-driven systems and/or highly space-constrained moving mechanisms
• Plus: Experience integrating sensors (force, position, tactile) into mechanical systems

**Benefits**

• We provide market standard benefits (health, vision, dental, 401k, etc.) and equity. Join us for the culture and the mission, not for the benefits.

**Salary**

• The annual compensation is expected to be between $165,000 - $190,000+. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.