Lead Mechanical Engineer

Job Title:
Lead Mechanical Engineer – Autonomous Robotics

Location:
San Antonio, Texas
Department:
Engineering

Reports To:

Hardware Engineering Manager
Job Type: Full-Time

Renu Robotics is a leader in autonomous technology for vegetation management. We build all-electric, autonomous machines that help maintain large-scale sites safely, efficiently, and sustainably. Our culture values teamwork, quality, safety, and continuous improvement. At Renu Robotics, we believe:
No one wins unless everyone wins.

We are seeking a Lead Mechanical Engineer to drive the design, development, and integration of industry-leading cutting‑edge autonomous robotic systems. This role will oversee mechanical design efforts across multiple projects, lead a team of engineers, and collaborate cross‑functionally to deliver robust, scalable, and high-performance autonomous systems.

• Lead the mechanical design, development, and testing of robotic platforms including chassis, actuators, enclosures, and integration of sensors and electronics.
• Own the full product development lifecycle from concept to commercialization, including prototyping, lab and field testing, and design iteration.
• Lead design reviews, DFMEA, documentation efforts, and change releases.
• Collaborate with electrical, software, and systems engineers to ensure mechanical and system-level integration.
• Apply DFM (Design for Manufacturing) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles for efficient production.
• Interface with vendors and suppliers for component sourcing, validation, prototyping, and manufacturing support.
• Ensure compliance with industry standard safety, reliability, and regulatory principles.
• Perform design verification and validation, and mechanical analysis (thermal, stress, dynamics).
• Develop and execute test plans for mechanical systems including field validation.
• Mentor junior engineers and establish best practices in mechanical design and systems engineering.

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or related field from an accredited university.
  MS in Mechanical Engineering (preferred).
• 7+ years of mechanical design experience, preferably in robotics, automation, or complex mechatronic systems.
• Strong proficiency in Solid Works and Solid Works PDM, 3D CAD modeling, and mechanical simulation tools (Ansys, FEA, CFD, tolerance stack analysis).
• Understand and apply GD&T standards.
• Solid grasp of EMI/EMC concepts including system‑level grounding and shielding.
• Designing for harsh environments (temperature, shock, vibration).
• Knowledge of CSA Class 1, Div 2, CE, and UL (preferred).
• Demonstrable track record of delivery of commercial products.
• Hands‑on experience with prototyping tools (e.g., 3D printing, CNC, sheet metal fabrication).
• Deep understanding of material selection, structural design, thermal management, and kinematics.
• Experience with electromechanical components such as actuators, stepper, and drive motors, gearboxes, sensors, and embedded systems.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Experience working within ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Framework and other regulated frameworks.
• Experience in commercial product/system delivery in harsh environments.
• Experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Net Suite) and QMS systems (e.g., Arena, Adept, Master Control).
• Experience leading engineering projects and teams.

• Autonomous or semi-autonomous mobile robots (e.g., drones, AMRs, humanoids).
• Design for rugged environments (military, industrial, outdoor).
• Familiarity with robotics standards (ISO 10218, R15.06, etc.).
• Experience with agile development and rapid prototyping environments is a plus.
• Working knowledge of motion control, embedded systems, and system integration.
• Experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience ensuring product quality including standards, statistical methods, and testing.

• Opportunity to work on breakthrough technologies in robotics.
• Be part of a global business.
• Collaborative and mission‑driven team culture.
• Competitive compensation and benefits package.