Advisory Engineer, Hardware HPSC

Senior Mechanical Engineer, Machine Design and Automation Position Summary Ricoh's Boulder R&D group designs and builds automation and robotics systems for industrial print and manufacturing applications. This is a hands-on mechanical design position within a multidisciplinary development team that includes software, controls, machine vision, and AI/ML engineers. Mechanical and electromechanical design is the focus of this role, and the hardware developed here frequently forms the basis for the software, machine vision, and AI/ML work that builds on it.

Current programs include:

A growing robotics and factory automation practice deploying collaborative robot cells, pick-and-place systems, and material handling for external customers

Continuous-feed inkjet inspection platforms and their expansion across the automation product roadmapA renewable energy program supporting next-generation solar cell manufacturing

The role spans the full design cycle: defining requirements, concept development, prototyping, build, debug, and production hardware. Projects frequently begin with a problem description rather than a written specification. This is a senior individual contributor position, and the successful candidate is expected to contribute technically from the outset.

Responsibilities Develop mechanical and electromechanical designs from concept through production hardware

Design end-of-arm tooling, grippers, base frames, guarding, and pneumatic systems for robotic and automated cells

Design sheet metal, machined, and fabricated components, including DFM and direct coordination with fabrication and machine shops

Scope and deliver bespoke, single-purpose automation builds, including defining the requirements and carrying the design through to working hardware

Specify and integrate motion systems, actuators, sensors, and pneumatics, including component sizing and cycle time analysis

Design industrial control cabinets and panel layouts, cable routing, and harnessing

Design optical and imaging fixtures, including lighting, motion, and alignment, for inline inspection systems

Produce manufacturing-ready documentation: 3D CAD, electrical schematics, BOMs, assembly and work instructions, and test protocols

Coordinate with software and controls engineers on system integration, including motion and vision triggers, sensor interfaces, and PLC and robot controller communication

Build, wire, and debug prototypes in-house, and support installation and commissioning

Support safety and certification activities, including risk assessment, Performance Level analysis, CE marking, EMC/LVD/RoHS, and US NRTL paths

Visit customer sites as required to define requirements and support deployments

Required Qualifications BS in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field, or equivalent practical experience8+ years of professional experience in mechanical design and hands-on technical work Demonstrated record of delivering multiple complex machines or electromechanical products from concept through working hardware as a principal contributor

Direct, hands-on experience fabricating, assembling, wiring, and debugging mechanical and electromechanical assemblies, with working proficiency in a shop environment

Sound judgment in selecting manufacturing and joining methods appropriate to one-off and low-volume builds: machining, sheet metal, weldments, extruded aluminum framing, fastening, and additive

Proficiency in 3D CAD (NX, Solid Works, Inventor, Creo, or equivalent) and detailed 2D drawings with GD&TSheet metal and machined part design, including DFM for bending, machining, and assembly, with direct fabrication shop experience

Hands-on experience with end-of-arm tooling and gripper design, pneumatics, motion systems, and sensors

Design practice that accounts for assembly, service access, and long-term maintainability

Strong systems-level thinking, with the ability to manage concurrent projects in a fast-moving R&D environment

Preferred Qualifications Industrial electrical experience: control cabinet layout and build, panel wiring, schematic interpretation, and sensor and actuator wiring

Bespoke or single-unit automation experience, including integrator-style builds and purpose-built machines for a single customer or process

Background in precision equipment or converting industries: inkjet, semiconductor, thin film, web handling, roll-to-roll, packaging, or label finishing

Robotics integration experience with collaborative robots (Universal Robots, Fanuc, or comparable),…