Intermediate Research & Development Engineer

Overview

Company Name
:
Sanctuary Cognitive Systems Corporation

Business Address
: 400 – 425 W 6th Ave, Vancouver BC V5Y 1L3

Work Location
:
Vancouver, BC

Work Type
:
Full-Time, Permanent

Salary Range
: CAD $130,000 – $160,000

Benefits
:
Equity stakes, health coverage, paid time off

Language of Work
:
English

Contact Information
: hr

As a Research and Development Engineer, you play a leading role in advancing our next-generation humanoid robotics systems. Reporting to our Principal Research Scientist, you are responsible for developing high-performance technologies that integrate mechanical, electrical, and fluidic systems under demanding physical constraints.

You contribute across the full R&D lifecycle, from early-stage design and simulation through prototyping, validation, and integration into complex robotic platforms. Your work enables lifelike motion through compact actuator systems and precision mechanisms, requiring deep technical fluency and systems-level thinking.

You collaborate closely with cross-functional teams in AI, embedded systems, and controls to solve engineering challenges that have no off-the-shelf solutions. You also serve as a technical mentor within the team, and play a key role in setting standards for quality, documentation, and repeatability as we scale.

• Bring hands-on experience developing advanced electro-mechanical systems with tightly integrated mechanical, electrical, and fluidic components
• Take ownership of complex system development from concept and simulation through validation and integration
• Demonstrate technical leadership in designing actuation solutions under extreme packaging, thermal, and performance constraints
• Expand your impact by mentoring junior engineers and contributing to cross-functional development initiatives
• Apply simulation, modeling, and analytical tools to inform design and optimize system performance
• Create clear, production-ready documentation such as CAD drawings, test protocols, and assembly instructions for your designs

Qualifications:

• At minimum a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Engineering Physics, or a related technical field
• Proven experience in advanced electromechanical or robotic systems development
• Extensive experience with hydraulic systems and components
• Experience designing components or subsystems with weight, size, and thermal limitations
• Proven track record in taking R&D hardware from concept to functional prototype and system integration
• Demonstrated ability to work in high-performance, cross-functional engineering environments

• Deep understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering fundamentals
• Proficiency in CAD and simulation tools (e.g., FEA, CFD, dynamic modeling)
• Strong prototyping skills, including use of hand/power tools, machining, or 3D printing
• Experience with electromechanical actuators, sensors, and control integration
• Experience in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and heat transfer
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and tools like Jira
• Excellent communication and documentation skills

• Above all else, a consistently positive attitude and a willingness to do whatever it takes to create robust solutions to complex problems
• Using existing knowledge to develop original ways of working
• Taking personal responsibility for the quality and content of your work
• Analyzing data and information to make considered decisions
• Expressing an interest in others’ experiences and ideas
• Obsession with bringing human-like intelligence to machines

Sanctuary AI is an equal opportunity employer; employment with Sanctuary AI is governed based on skills, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced in any way by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status. In 2023, Sanctuary AI moved into a state-of-the-art office facility and has been recognized by Linked In as a Top Startup company.

Sanctuary offers…