Project Engineer - Mechatronics

We build a robotic arm that taps, swipes, and presses buttons on mobile phones and smartwatches for automated device testing. The first version works. We now need someone to make the hardware more accurate, more durable, and ready to be built repeatedly in batches. You will lead this improvement across the motors, electronics, and body of the arm.

Responsibilities:

• Test the current arm and measure its accuracy, repeatability, and wear over thousands of taps.
• Find the weak points in the current design (servos, joints, structure, power, wiring) and propose fixes.
• Select and compare better servos, motors, sensors, and drivers, and justify each choice on performance and cost.
• Add home/limit sensors, feedback, and safety features (emergency stop, safe start-up position).
• Redesign the arm's body and housing in CAD, choosing between 3D printing, sheet metal, aluminum parts, and bearings.
• Make the design consistent and easy to assemble so many units match each other.
• Build and test prototypes, then document the final design (drawings, parts list, assembly steps, test results).
• Work with an external mechanical design vendor or freelancer when needed.

Requirements:

• Degree or diploma in mechatronics, robotics, mechanical, electronics, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience building something that moves (robot arm, CNC, 3D printer, gimbal, or similar).
• CAD skills in SolidWorks or Fusion 360.
• Working knowledge of servos, stepper motors, motor drivers, and power supplies.
• Experience with microcontrollers (ESP32, STM32, or Arduino).
• Practical experience with 3D printing (PLA, PETG, or nylon).

Good to have:

• Experience with parallel-link or SCARA-type arms.
• Knowledge of bearings, backlash, and calibration.
• Experience with serial bus servos (Feetech, Dynamixel) or encoders.
• Experience with PCB design (KiCad or similar).
• Exposure to CNC, sheet metal, or small-batch manufacturing.
• Python for test scripts.

What success looks like:

• First month: A test report on the current arm, including how far taps drift over 1,000 repeats, and a ranked list of fixes.
• Months 2-3: An improved prototype with upgraded servos, sensors, and body, and a revised parts list.
• After that: A documented design ready for batch production.