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Mechanical Engineer, Dynamometer and Actuator Testing Infrastructure

OpenAI· Research
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Hybrid (San Francisco)$225k - $318kFull-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Mechanical Engineer to design, build, and own the mechanical side of robotic actuator dynamometer and test infrastructure, including test stands, fixtures, load paths, guarding, and serviceable lab hardware for rigorous actuator characterization.

Responsibilities

  • Own the mechanical architecture of dynamometer and actuator test cells, including frames, bases, load paths, alignment, guarding, and serviceability.
  • Design dynamometer structures, robotic actuator fixtures, load-motor mounts, couplings, shafts, bearings, adapters, and torque-reaction hardware.
  • Translate robotic actuator test requirements into robust mechanical systems for torque, speed, thermal, durability, backdrive, efficiency, and failure testing.
  • Perform first-principles analysis and simulation for stiffness, strength, fatigue, vibration, thermal growth, critical speed, and safety factors.
  • Create precise, repeatable alignment strategies that protect test articles, load machines, sensors, and couplings.
  • Design modular fixturing that supports rapid changeover across actuator and motor variants without compromising measurement quality.
  • Work closely with electrical engineers on cable routing, enclosures, cooling, sensor packaging, and test-cell safety interfaces.
  • Work closely with software and controls engineers to define mechanical limits, safe operating envelopes, and automated-test constraints.
  • Build, assemble, debug, and improve test stands in the lab, using measurement and fabrication tools directly.
  • Develop guarding, containment, pinch-point mitigation, hard stops, and other mechanical safety systems for high-energy rotating equipment.
  • Manage fabrication partners and vendors for machined parts, weldments, bearings, couplings, sensors, and test-stand components.
  • Establish drawings, tolerance stacks, assembly procedures, inspection plans, and preventive-maintenance practices.
  • Use test observations and failure analysis to continuously improve durability, usability, uptime, and measurement fidelity.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field.
  • Experience designing mechanical systems for robotic actuator dynamometers, robotics, automation, rotating machinery, aerospace, automotive, or similar high-performance hardware.
  • Strong understanding of structures, load paths, shafts, bearings, couplings, fasteners, tolerances, alignment, and vibration.
  • Experience designing fixtures, test stands, frames, guarding, and precision mechanical interfaces.
  • Proficiency with CAD and drawing release workflows; NX, SolidWorks, Creo, or equivalent experience is welcome.
  • Experience with structural, thermal, fatigue, or modal analysis and applying results to practical hardware decisions.
  • Hands-on experience with assembly, machining, metrology, alignment, and troubleshooting in a lab or prototype environment.
  • Familiarity with mechanical safety for rotating equipment, containment, interlocks, and safe operating envelopes.

Skills

Required:Mechanical designFirst-principles analysisCADTest-stand fabrication and assemblyMechanical safety and guarding

Benefits

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your family, with employer contributions to Health Savings Accounts
  • Pre-tax accounts for Health FSA, Dependent Care FSA, and commuter expenses (parking and transit)
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
  • Paid parental leave (up to 24 weeks for birth parents and 20 weeks for non-birthing parents), plus paid medical and caregiver leave (up to 8 weeks)
  • Paid time off: flexible PTO for exempt employees and up to 15 days annually for non-exempt employees
  • 13+ paid company holidays, and multiple paid coordinated company office closures throughout the year for focus and recharge, plus paid sick or safe time
  • Mental health and wellness support
  • Employer-paid basic life and disability coverage
  • Annual learning and development stipend
  • Daily meals in offices, and meal delivery credits as eligible
  • Relocation support for eligible employees
  • Additional taxable fringe benefits, such as charitable donation matching and wellness stipends
Last updated Sep 17, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About OpenAI

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