What We're Looking ForWe are looking for a Principal Mechanical Engineer who thrives at the intersection of rigorous design and physical reality. You will help drive Reframe's factory vision at the system level, then translate it into execution at FAB1 (our first microfactory) by defining and standardizing the mechanical, robotics, and automation building blocks we will replicate across future factories.
This is a role for someone that loves both designing robust, detailed mechanical systems, then getting into the shop, helping build, test, and deploy production hardware. We need a hands-on technical leader who is excited to be "in the trenches"-assembling equipment, troubleshooting on the floor, and validating designs in real-time. You will set the engineering bar for our team, specifically driving standards in GD&T, detailed drawing generation, and structural analysis (FEA). You will bridge the gap between R&D concepts and robust, industrial-grade reliability.
Responsibilities- Lead FAB1 Commissioning: Take ownership of key mechanical subsystems during the factory launch. Troubleshoot assembly issues, oversee equipment installation, and validate system performance against requirements.
- High-Fidelity Design & Documentation: Create complex 2D technical drawings for fabrication and assembly. You will be the internal standard-bearer for GD&T (ASME Y14.5), ensuring parts are manufactured to tolerance and fit the first time.
- Structural Analysis (FEA): Perform Finite Element Analysis on fixtures, gantries, and end-effectors to ensure safety factors and structural rigidity meet industrial standards before fabrication.
- Detailed Mechanical Design: Design robust mechanical systems using Onshape, from large weldments and safety enclosures to precision grippers and fixtures.
- Vendor & Fabrication Management: Liaise with external machine shops and vendors. Your detailed drawing packages will be the primary communication tool to ensure external partners deliver quality parts on schedule.
- Root Cause Analysis: When things break (and they will), lead the investigation. Use data and physical inspection to identify failure modes and implement permanent engineering fixes.
- Mentorship: Act as a technical mentor to engineers across the team, modeling best practices in design review, documentation, and safety.
Qualifications- BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field.
- 8+ years of experience in machine design, industrial automation, or heavy equipment engineering.
- Expert-level CAD skills (Onshape preferred) with a portfolio demonstrating complex assembly management.
- Strong proficiency in GD&T: You can read, write, and explain geometric dimensioning and tolerancing to ensure manufacturability and inspectability.
- Simulation experience: Practical experience using FEA (Ansys, SolidWorks Sim, or cloud-native tools) to validate structural loads and deflection.
- Commissioning experience: Proven track record of bringing hardware from the design phase to full operation in a factory or industrial setting.
- Hands-on capability: You are comfortable using hand tools, power tools, and basic shop equipment (mills, lathes, etc.) to modify parts or build prototypes.
Nice to Have- Experience with large-scale gantry systems or robotic workcells.
- Background in the construction, automotive, or aerospace industries.
- Experience designing welding fixtures or heavy-duty material handling equipment.
- Familiarity with PDM/PLM systems and version control in a fast-paced environment.
Please include a portfolio or examples of previous work (specifically highlighting drawing packages or complex mechanisms) with your application.
