Senior Mechanical Engineer, Manufacturing

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Manufacturing About Rugged Robotics Rugged Robotics is on a mission to help the construction industry build better by solving tough problems with automation. We are a fast-moving startup where engineers stay close to the hardware, the manufacturing floor, and the field. To help our customers build better, we need to build the best team. As a Senior Mechanical Engineer with a manufacturing focus at Rugged Robotics, you will play a critical role in transitioning our next-generation robot from a working prototype into reliable pre-production and production builds. This role owns the path from prototype to scalable manufacturing. You will be accountable for manufacturing readiness, build quality, and continuous improvement. This includes supervising early in-house build waves, supporting root cause analysis, refining designs and processes, and helping establish the manufacturing systems that allow us to scale. You will act as a player–coach, working hands-on while guiding technicians and collaborating closely with engineering, operations, and field teams. What You Will Do Own the transition of a prototype robot into pre-production and production-ready designs Perform hands-on mechanical and electromechanical design, applying engineering analysis (e.g., tolerance analysis, FMEA, FEA) to develop robust hardware solutions that minimize cost, size, and weight while meeting shock, vibration, EMI, and environmental requirements. Produce clear, well-dimensioned drawings using GD&T for CNC machining, sheet metal, injection molding, and cast parts Support root cause analysis of test, manufacturing, and field issues, and drive design or process changes to address deficiencies Support testing of prototype and pre-production builds to ensure designs meet product requirements and design intent Lead the testing, documentation, and evidence generation required to take the robot through international safety and regulatory certification processes. Lead early build waves, including in-house assembly, calibration, and end-of-line testing Supervise and guide technicians during builds, ensuring product quality and adherence to process instructions Develop, document, and continuously improve manufacturing processes and work standards, establishing appropriate process controls, inspection criteria, and quality checks to ensure consistent, high-quality production Partner with operations teams to understand deployment schedules and create build and robot preparation plans to meet demand Collaborate closely across functions, including mechanical, electrical, software, manufacturing, and operations teams You Are Experienced bringing complex electromechanical products from prototype into production Comfortable balancing design intent with manufacturing realities and operational constraints Proficient in SolidWorks and experienced producing production-ready drawings Familiar with manufacturing engineering concepts and scaling to production Hands-on and willing to be present on the build floor to support technicians and resolve issues Skilled at navigating conversations between engineers and technicians to ensure build processes reflect design intent Highly collaborative across function boundaries, including Software, Electrical, and Operations Engineers Organized, detail-oriented, and able to lead through ambiguity during early production ramps Comfortable owning outcomes and guiding teams through change Qualifications BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent practical experience 7+ years of industry experience in mechanical design, manufacturing engineering, or production support Experience with complex electromechanical systems in robotics, industrial equipment, aerospace, medical devices, or similar fields Nice to Have Experience with contract manufacturers or transitioning from in-house builds to external manufacturing Hands-on prototyping experience, including rapid iteration and test fixture development Comfortable with project leadership, mentoring, and helping grow junior engineers or technicians Experience supporting certification efforts for international compliance Perks Full-time, competitive salary with equity Flexible paid vacation from day one Paid Parental Leave Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life insurance 401(k) plan available Rugged Robotics is headquartered in Houston, TX, in the vibrant neighborhood of East Downtown. This role is primarily on-site, with hands-on involvement in pre-production builds, manufacturing activities, and cross-functional collaboration. Rugged Robotics is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we value diversity at our company. All qualified candidates will receive consideration regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other protected status.