Mechanical Engineer

Terranova, Inc

$90K — $140K *
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in mechanical or electromechanical design, preferably in robotics
  • Proficiency in CAD software, specifically OnShape
  • Strong hands-on skills in fabrication and prototyping
  • Deep understanding of mechanical principles and first-principles design
  • Ability to thrive in a high-intensity startup environment with long hours
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • U.S. permanent residency required.

Responsibilities

  • Take full ownership of mechanical and electromechanical components for robotic systems
  • Utilize first-principles engineering and FEA for design optimization
  • Lead prototype development, conduct testing, and ensure reliability under field conditions
  • Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams to create robust, integrated systems
  • Analyze failures and iterate designs based on real-world feedback.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on cutting-edge robotic technologies
  • Hands-on involvement in both design and field operations
  • Collaborative team environment focused on real-world applications
  • Potential for growth and advancement in a fast-paced startup setting.
  • Focus on developing high-performance, reliable machinery.
Full Job Description
What to to Expect

As a Mechanical Engineer at Terranova, you will own the mechanical design of large-scale robotic systems while maintaining a systems-level overview across mechanical, electrical, and controls disciplines. You will own problems end-to-end, move fast, and build machines that survive the real world. Expect to be hands-on, spend long hours in the factory and in the field working alongside technicians and operators.

Key Responsibilities
  • Act as an extreme owner for mechanical and electromechanical aspects of Terranova's field deployed robotic systems
  • Perform first-principles engineering, FEA, hand calculations to optimize designs for real-world operation environments
  • Lead prototype builds, execute test campaigns, and push hardware to its limits to ensure field reliability
  • Collaborate closely with electrical, controls, and field deployment teams to deliver integrated, battle-tested systems
  • Drive failure analysis, testing, and iterative improvement based on real-world data


Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Experience in mechanical or electromechanical hardware design and analysis (plus for experience in robotics)
  • Strong CAD proficiency (OnShape)
  • Hands-on fabrication and prototyping skills - you enjoy working hands on
  • Deep mechanical intuition and ability to design from first principles
  • Comfortable with the pace and intensity of early-stage startup life, including long days, 6-day workweeks, and extended field hours
  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering or related field
  • U.S. permanent residency required


Nice to Have Skills
  • Experience in high voltage AC power (480V, 120+ kW) conversion systems and lithium batteries
  • Experience with pumps and fluidics
  • Experience with bulk material handling (conveyance)
  • Experience in electromechanical controls, hydraulics, or field-deployed systems
  • Familiarity with C++, Python, or similar for controls or simulation
  • PCB and embedded systems design skills are a huge bonus


Ideal Archetype
  • Have worked on development of heavy machinery, complex multi-part systems
  • Maker background - love building stuff, work is fun to you
  • Coming from a startup environment - high ownership, fast paced environment


Compensation
  • $90-140k based on experience
  • Additional benefits

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