Meta Robotics Studio is seeking a Mechanical Engineer with deep experience in finite element analysis (FEA) and kinematics/dynamics modeling to help design and optimize next-generation humanoid robots. In this role, you will use simulation-driven engineering to influence architecture decisions early, validate designs through detailed analysis, and partner closely with design, controls, hardware, and reliability teams to deliver robust, lightweight, high-performing robotic systems. You will work across structural performance, weight optimization, drop/shock survivability, and modal/vibration behavior, and also build/own kinematic and energy models to study optimal joint motor placement and power usage across real robot tasks such as walking, stair ascent/descent, and manipulation tasks. This team is dedicated to building hardware that enables learning through data collection and system testing. Responsibilities Own end-to-end FEA for major humanoid subsystems • Perform and communicate results for: structural analysis (static and nonlinear as needed; contacts, preloads, bolted joints, interference fits), weight optimization (topology/shape/size optimization and trade studies with manufacturability constraints), drop/shock and impact survivability analysis (energy methods, explicit/implicit where appropriate, correlation plans), and modal analysis and vibration characterization (mode-shape interpretation, frequency targets, stiffness tuning, resonance avoidance) • Define boundary conditions, load cases, acceptance criteria, and correlation plans; ensure assumptions are defensible and traceable • Drive design changes based on analysis: identify high-stress areas, fatigue risk, stiffness deficiencies, and robustness gaps • Partner with test engineering to correlate simulations to bench/vehicle/robot tests; iterate models based on measured data • Develop and use kinematic and dynamic models to evaluate joint architectures and actuation trade-offs • Quantify task-level power/energy usage and thermal implications across locomotion and manipulation tasks • Evaluate workspace, singularities, joint limits, torque requirements, reflected inertia, and transmission efficiency impacts • Produce actionable guidance to hardware and controls teams on architecture choices (DoF allocation, link lengths, actuator placement, gearing tradeoffs) • Collaborate with mechanical design, controls, perception, embedded, manufacturing, and reliability teams from concept through EVT/DVT/PVT-style phases • Create clear technical documentation: assumptions, model setup, results, conclusions, design recommendations, and test correlation status • Establish best practices for simulation workflows (review checklists, model versioning, validation gates, and data management) Minimum Qualifications • BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field • 7+ years of relevant experience in robotics, aerospace, automotive, or high-performance electromechanical products • Demonstrated expertise in FEA including static structural analysis and interpretation of stress/strain, stiffness, and failure modes, and geometry optimization for weight reduction • Experience with at least one major FEA toolset (e.g., Abaqus, ANSYS, Comsol, Nastran, or similar) and pre/post processing workflows • Experience with drop/shock simulation and test correlation (instrumented drops, shock response spectra, impact modeling) • Experience performing modal analysis and translating results into concrete design improvements • Hands-on experience building kinematic models (e.g., using MATLAB, Python, ROS/Pinocchio, Drake, or similar) • Demonstrated knowledge of mechanics of materials, dynamics, and machine design principles as applied to product development • Ability to communicate analysis results clearly to mixed audiences and drive design decisions Preferred Qualifications • Familiarity with humanoid locomotion/manipulation requirements, including stiffness targets for control bandwidth and resonance constraints • Proven track record of taking analysis from concept to validated hardware • Working knowledge of CNC machining processes - understanding of fixturing, tool access, setup minimization, and achievable tolerances • Experience with PLM/PDM systems (Teamcenter, Solidworks PDM, Windchill, or similar) • Experience modeling actuator/transmission efficiency, motor thermal limits, and energy consumption for robotic tasks • Direct experience with robotic systems - BLDC motors, actuators, gearboxes, linkage mechanisms • Background in high-mix/low-volume transitioning to mid-volume production environments • CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, NX, or CREO, Rhino) • Experience managing time-sensitive projects through to completion while balancing evolving priorities and a broad range of stakeholders • Experience with optimization (topology/shape/parametric) and designing for manufacturability (CNC, die cast, additive, composites) • Familiarity with injection molding, thermoforming, or composite manufacturing as it relates to complex-geometry parts • Experience with fatigue, joint modeling (bolts, bearings, welds/adhesives), and contact nonlinearity • MS in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or related discipline