Senior Mechanical Engineer

Outrider, the pioneer in autonomous yard operations for logistics hubs, helps large enterprises improve safety and increase efficiency. The only company exclusively focused on automating all aspects of yard operations, Outrider eliminates manual tasks that are hazardous and repetitive. Outrider’s mission is to drive the rapid adoption of sustainable freight transportation by deploying zero‑emission systems. Outrider is a private company backed by NEA, 8VC, Koch Disruptive Technologies, and other top‑tier investors.

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The Senior Mechanical Engineer will report to the Head of Hardware Engineering and support the development of custom end‑effector, tool, and HW system designs for robotic manipulation and autonomous vehicle systems. This position requires strong mechanical design skills, attention to detail, and an ability to learn in unstructured environments. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated history of contributing technically to the design and implementation of complex components of robotic systems from scratch.

This role is mission‑critical for helping deliver a safety‑critical system for industrial automation. The opportunity offers a technical, hands‑on team member the chance to help develop a market‑defining enterprise product that combines autonomous vehicle technology with a software‑as‑a‑service (SaaS) business model. The ideal candidate will embrace our goal to drive zero‑emission, self‑driving vehicle adoption, and help us realize our potential to define, build, and lead a new category of robotic automation for the enterprise.

This role is based in Denver, CO.

• Design and maintain parts and complex CAD assemblies
• Brainstorm and prototype electro‑mechanical, and pneumatic tools for automation systems and robotic manipulators
• Lead reliability initiatives by analyzing failure modes, implementing design and process improvements, and driving corrective actions to improve product performance, durability, and lifecycle cost
• Work with vendors and select components based on design analysis, requirements, and performance
• Collaborate with software team members to incorporate desired sensing mechanisms and account for HW/SW integrated system design considerations
• Design and build reliability test fixtures to simulate real‑world operating conditions, enabling accelerated life testing, failure analysis, and validation of design robustness
• Support field testing and debugging, both locally and at remote customer sites

• 5+ years of experience with integrated software/hardware systems such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other automotive/aerospace products
• BS or MS in mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, computer science, computer engineering, electrical/electronics engineering, or a similar discipline
• Experience designing complex electro‑mechanical, and pneumatic systems from concept to product, including driving cost reduction initiatives and designing for scale
• Experience working with linear and rotary actuators
• Experience designing and documenting machined parts, weldments, sheet metal components, and assemblies
• Experience creating and maintaining detailed mechanical drawings (GD&T, tolerances, and BOMs) to support test and manufacturing
• Knowledge and experience selecting, designing, and/or integrating sensors to understand the state of a system
• Experience with the product development lifecycle – particularly design for manufacture, reliability, and cost
• Ability to perform finite element analysis and iterate designs based on results
• Experience using basic shop equipment (3D printer, bandsaw, mill, drill, etc.) to build rapid prototypes
• Strong technical analysis skills
• Experience with industrial automation equipment
• Experience with linkage synthesis and linkage design
• Experience with PDM and part release processes
• Experience designing and optimizing joints for robotic manipulators
• Prior work with contract manufacturers
• Familiarity wiring sensors and designing cable harnesses
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary robotics team
• Familiarity working on systems for use in hardened environments
• Equity package commensurate with experience and skills
• Actual compensation is based on several factors, including but not limited to job‑related skills, qualifications, experience, and specific work location due to differences in the cost of labor

As set forth in Outrider’s Equal Employment Opportunity policy, we do not discriminate on the basis of any protected group status under any applicable law.