At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and build high-performance actuators for cutting-edge humanoid robots.
- Company: Join Walden Robotics, a leader in innovative robotic technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity, flexible PTO, and daily lunch provided.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for mentorship and growth.
- Why this job: Own your designs from concept to production and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in mechanical engineering with actuator design experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Position Summary
We are hiring a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design, build, and ship high performance actuators for our humanoid robot.
In this role, you will own the design of actuator mechanical components and subassemblies—gear trains, housings, bearing systems, output structures and electronics integration.
You will work closely with controls, electrical, firmware, and manufacturing teams to translate performance requirements into robust hardware and to mature prototypes into reliable, high-volume production designs.
This role is ideal for an engineer who thrives owning a design end to end, from first-principles analysis through hands-on bring-up, characterization, and production handoff.
Core Responsibilities
- Design and deliver actuator mechanical subsystems, including gear trains and transmissions, housings, bearing arrangements, shafting, output interfaces, and integrated sensor and motor packaging.
- Drive component sizing and validation through first-principles analysis and FEA—tolerance stack-ups, structural and fatigue analysis, stiffness, backlash, and thermal paths.
- Own designs from concept through DFM/DFA, prototype builds, and production release, partnering with external manufacturers and suppliers to ensure high quality parts and assembly.
- Partner cross-functionally with controls, electrical, and firmware teams to define actuator requirements and integrate actuators into the broader robot platform.
- Lead design reviews and hardware bring-up; plan and execute bench and dynamometer testing to characterize performance and root-cause failures.
- Establish design standards and best practices for actuator development, and mentor engineers across the team.
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of experience delivering precision electromechanical or actuator products from concept through production (or MS + 3 years).
- Deep expertise in actuator and drivetrain design, including gear trains (planetary, harmonic, and/or cycloidal), bearing selection and preload, shaft and housing design, and management of backlash and stiffness.
- Strong proficiency with 3D CAD (Solid Works, CATIA, or NX) and rigorous application of GD&T and tolerance analysis.
- Demonstrated analytical ability using both hand calculations and FEA for structural, fatigue, and thermal design decisions.
- Hands-on experience building, instrumenting, and testing hardware, including dynamometer or bench characterization and systematic troubleshooting.
- Strong communication, ownership, and a collaborative, cross-functional approach to development.
Preferred Qualifications
- Direct experience with robotic systems, preferably humanoid and/or manipulation robots.
- Experience designing high-torque-density actuators with frameless/BLDC motor integration.
- Experience with custom gearbox design (planetary and harmonic or cycloidal drives), experience with gear analysis tools such as KISSsoft or similar software and high-volume manufacturing of precision mechanical components.
Walden Robotics offers a competitive total compensation program, including salary, annual cash bonus, company equity, company-subsidized insurance programs, 401(k) with company match, flexible PTO, daily lunch, and other benefits.
The pay ranges noted on our posts are for salary only.
Walden Robotics is an equal opportunity employer.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.
If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to hello@waldenrobotics. com
Walden Robotics participates in E-Verify.
If you receive an offer of employment from Walden, you will need to go through the E-Verify process of digital verification of your employment authorization documents as provided on the Form I-9.
Participation in E-Verify does not limit your right to work and verification will only be completed after you become
Senior Member of Technical Staff: Mechanical Engineering — Actuation in Cambridge employer: Walden Robotics
Walden Robotics is an exceptional employer for engineers seeking to make a significant impact in the field of robotics. With a strong focus on innovation and collaboration, employees enjoy a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and hands-on problem-solving. The company offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those passionate about advancing technology in a supportive environment.
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We think this is how you could land Senior Member of Technical Staff: Mechanical Engineering — Actuation in Cambridge
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Member of Technical Staff: Mechanical Engineering — Actuation in Cambridge
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How to prepare for a job interview at Walden Robotics
✨Brush Up on Your CAD Skills
Since mechanical engineering often involves design processes, be ready to showcase your proficiency in CAD software like SolidWorks or AutoCAD. Bring along a digital portfolio or even some sketches that demonstrate your design capabilities — it’s a great way to show what you can bring to the table at Walden Robotics.
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