About the role
About Mariana Minerals Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We’re reimagining how minerals are sourced, refined, and optimized by combining deep industrial expertise with software, automation, and data-driven decision-making. Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply. Role Overview We are hiring a Mechatronics Engineer (Hardware) to design and build the actuation, automation, and robotic hardware that makes our autonomous mining vehicles move. In this role you will own the electromechanical and robotics hardware that enables full mining autonomy — drive-by-wire actuation, motion and powertrain systems, robotic mechanisms, and the automation hardware that ties them together. You will carry designs from concept and trade study through CAD, analysis, prototype build, and bench and field validation, working hand in hand with our controls, autonomy software, and systems-engineering teams. This is a hands-on, first-principles role for an engineer who wants to develop the world’s first fully autonomous mines. What You’ll Do Design and integrate actuation hardware for autonomous mining vehicles — drive-by-wire steering, braking, and throttle, electric and electrohydraulic actuators, and the motion and powertrain systems that drive the vehicle Develop robotic mechanisms and automation hardware (manipulators, end-effectors, automated tooling, and material-handling systems) for unmanned mine operations Produce detailed CAD models, drawings, tolerance stack-ups, and bills of materials ready for fabrication, procurement, and assembly Select, size, and qualify actuators, drives, motors, gearboxes, bearings, and e-powertrain components, balancing build-vs-buy decisions against cost, lead time, and reliability Lead subsystem bench and rig testing, build and instrument prototypes, and drive reliability growth against MTBF and availability targets Collaborate with controls and autonomy-software engineers to integrate actuation, compute, and sensing into a complete vehicle What You’ll Bring Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics, Mechanical, Robotics, Electrical, or related engineering discipline 5-10+ years designing complex electromechanical or robotic systems, ideally including mobile or heavy equipment Strong proficiency with 3D CAD Hands-on experience with actuation and motion systems - drive-by-wire, electric or electrohydraulic actuators, motors, drives, gearboxes, and their integration Working knowledge of design-for-manufacture/assembly and of component selection, qualification, and supplier engagement Experience in autonomous vehicles, robotics, automotive, or off-highway equipment strongly preferred