As a Senior Mechanical Engineer, Prototyping at Azalea Robotics you will translate early-stage concepts into functional hardware, driving the physical development of our robotic systems and end-effectors from first sketch through working prototype. You will work at the intersection of design, fabrication, and field validation; iterating on physical hardware and building systems that perform in demanding real-world environments.
Responsibilities
Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
• Design and rapidly iterate physical prototypes of Azalea Robotics’ robotic systems and end-effectors, translating system-level requirements into manufacturable mechanical designs
• Own the full prototype development cycle from concept sketches and CAD models through fabrication, assembly, and functional testing on real hardware
• Design and iterate end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) for manipulation tasks, balancing payload, stiffness, weight, cycle time, and replaceability requirements, including handling of varied or deformable objects
• Work directly with metals, composites, and polymer materials to build and modify prototypes in coordination with external fabrication vendors and through in-house assembly and rework
• Operate and program 3D printers to produce rapid-iteration components; evaluate and select additive processes appropriate to each design need
• Collaborate closely with robotics software, electrical, and systems engineers to ensure mechanical designs integrate cleanly with sensing, actuation, and compute hardware
• Define and execute mechanical validation tests, documenting results and feeding findings back into design revisions
• Engage with contract manufacturers and fabrication vendors to source and procure custom mechanical components, including managing drawing packages, tolerances, and lead times
• Contribute to design reviews and architectural decisions about materials selection, manufacturing approach, and mechanical platform strategy for current and future products
• Support field and deployment teams when hardware-specific issues arise during pre-shipment testing or at customer sites
Required Skills
• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or related field (or equivalent hands-on engineering experience).
• 5+ years of industry experience in mechanical design and prototyping, with demonstrated ownership of hardware from concept through functional prototype.
• Demonstrated experience designing end-of-arm tooling (EOAT) or robotic end-effectors, including consideration of compliance, payload, and interface to robotic arms.
• Proficiency in professional CAD tools (SolidWorks, CATIA, or Fusion 360) including parametric part modeling, assembly management, and engineering drawings.
• Hands-on prototyping experience with metals and polymers; comfortable with assembly, debug, and in-house modification of mechanical hardware.
• Proven experience sourcing and managing external fabrication vendors for custom mechanical components (machined parts, sheet metal, welded assemblies, powder-coated structures), including writing drawing packages and managing iteration cycles with suppliers.
• Practical experience with 3D printing , including print preparation, material selection, support strategy, and post-processing for functional prototype parts.
• Track record of designing under weight or payload constraints , with attention to mass budgets and structural efficiency.
• Proven track record of taking designs fromsketch to working prototype in fast-paced environments where iteration speed and build quality are both critical.
• Strong mechanical intuition for structural behavior, tolerance stack-up, fastener selection, and failure modes across materials and manufacturing processes.
• Adaptability to a fast-paced startup environment where project scope and priorities can shift rapidly.
• Willingness to travel (infrequently, for 1-2 week periods) for onsite hardware setup, commissioning, or customer deployments.
Preferred Skills
• Experience designing grippers or manipulators for varied, deformable, or non-rigid objects (e.g., textiles, bags, soft goods, mixed-rigidity payloads).
• Hands-on experience with advanced composite fabrication, including layup, cure processes, and structural testing of CFRP or GFRP components.
• Familiarity with GD&T and experience writing or reviewing drawings intended for external fabrication vendors.
• Background in robotics or automation hardware, particularly mobile manipulation systems, autonomous ground vehicles, or industrial automation platforms.
• Working knowledge of electronics packaging and electromechanical integration, including cable routing, connector selection, and mounting of sensors and compute hardware within mechanical assemblies.
Our Culture
Azalea Robotics is a team of passionate engineers and researchers dedicated to solving complex problems in robotics and artificial intelligence, while maintaining a laser focus on solving real world problems. We value creativity, critical thinking, and a hands-on approach to development.
Azalea Robotics is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability. We offer competitive compensation, including salary, stock options, and benefits.
About Azalea Robotics Corporation
Azalea Robotics automates airport baggage handling with intelligent robot operations. The global market for airport baggage handling systems is $20+ billion and growing, presenting a significant opportunity for innovation and market disruption in this sector.
Passenger air traffic volume is increasing, driving demand for efficient and reliable baggage handling at airports and putting immense pressure on existing infrastructure. In 2023 alone, airports processed approximately 4.5 billion bags, highlighting the need for advanced solutions to manage this load effectively. Azalea Robotics provides state-of-the-art robotic systems that enhance efficiency, reduce mishandling, and improve passenger experience through more reliable operations.
Baggage handling is a critical component of airline ground operations, yet it is fraught with challenges. The work is physically demanding, often leading to long-term injuries among workers. Traditional baggage handling involves repetitive lifting and maneuvering of heavy loads, which can result in long-term health issues. Azalea Robotics addresses these challenges by automating the most strenuous tasks, thereby reducing the risk of injury and enhancing operational efficiency.
