HireFT
Browse JobsHow it worksPricingAboutSuccess Stories
    Back to jobs
    FO

    Foundation

    Technology

    Mechanical Engineer (Hands Team)

    San Francisco, United StatesOn-SiteFull-time$165k – $190k / yearPosted 1mo ago
    View all jobs

    Job description

    About Us

    Foundation is developing the future of general purpose robotics with the goal to address the labor shortage.

    Our mission is to create advanced robots that can operate in complex environments, reducing human risk in conflict zones and enhancing efficiency in labor-intensive industries.

    We are on the lookout for extraordinary engineers and scientists to join our team. Your previous experience in robotics isn't a prerequisite — it's your talent and determination that truly count.

    We expect that many of our team members will bring diverse perspectives from various industries and fields. We are looking for individuals with a proven record of exceptional ability and a history of creating things that work.

    All positions are based in San Francisco.

    Our Culture

    We like to be frank and honest about who we are, so that people can decide for themselves if this is a culture they resonate with. Please read more about our culture here https://foundation.bot/culture.

    Why are We Hiring for this Role

    • Tackle the hardest unsolved problem in robotics hardware: human-like dexterous manipulation in the real world
    • Design and develop mechanical architectures for humanoid robotic hands, including joints, structures, and tendon-driven actuation systems.
    • Design/select and integrate tendons, actuators, routing hardware, transmission mechanisms and electronics in extremely space-constrained environments
    • Prototype, test, and iterate hand designs to meet strength, dexterity, durability, and manufacturability goals
    • Conduct stress, fatigue, and failure analysis
    • Select materials for tendons and structures (hard and soft) based on a variety of criteria: strength, friction, flexibility, wear resistance.
    • Evaluate materials for flexibility, grip, and wear resistance, including soft materials where applicable

    What Kind of Person are We Looking For

    • Shipped hard-to-build, hard-to-make-reliable products at industrial scale
    • Self starter, high accountability and high sense of ownership of their work
    • Strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles and hands-on experience in robotics, automotive, or a related field
    • Experience with complex assemblies and kinematic systems under tight spatial constraints
    • Understanding of manufacturing processes (CNC machining, injection molding, stamping, additive manufacturing, etc.)
    • Familiarity with control systems and mechatronics
    • Hands-on prototyping experience
    • Plus: Prior experience with tendon-driven systems and/or highly space-constrained moving mechanisms 
    • Plus: Experience integrating sensors (force, position, tactile) into mechanical systems

    Benefits

    • We provide market standard benefits (health, vision, dental, 401k, etc.) and equity. Join us for the culture and the mission, not for the benefits.

    Salary

    • The annual compensation is expected to be between $165,000 - $190,000+. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

    Job details are sourced from the employer's original posting.

    Open job posting
    FO

    About the company

    Foundation

    Foundation is a venture-backed technology company focused on building innovative products. They are known for their high-growth environment and emphasis on collaborative design and product development.

    View all Foundation jobs
    Industry
    Technology
    Open roles
    28

    Interested in this role?

    Apply with HireFT

    Free to start — no card required.

    Your fit

    How well do you match?

    Sign in to see how your résumé lines up with this role.