Mechanical Engineer

Position Title: Mechanical Engineer Position Description: Protingent Staffing has an exciting opportunity for a Mechanical Engineer located in South San Francisco, CA. Job Description: Our client is seeking a hands‑on Mechanical Engineer to contribute to mechanical integration programs, mating robotic arms and heavy payloads to 10,000 lb skid‑steer and tracked vehicle platforms. You will help take systems from prototype to repeatable field deployment, tackling heavy‑duty structural mounting, load paths, power/data routing, and environmental ruggedization for active construction sites. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams, machine shops, and field crews to ensure the hardware survives continuous outdoor duty cycles from sub‑zero winters to desert heat. Job Responsibilities Mechanical Integration: Assist in executing mechanical integration programs that mate robotic arms and payloads to heavy mobile base platforms (skid‑steers and tracked vehicles)— handling structural mounting, load paths, power/data routing, and service access. Heavy‑Duty Component Design: Design and specify mounts, brackets, enclosures, actuators, and end‑effectors built to survive continuous outdoor construction duty cycles. Platform Reconfigurability: Support platform architecture for reconfigurability to adapt across construction tasks (PV, rebar, block work) without rebuilding from scratch. Environmental & Thermal Strategy: Contribute to the IP67‑rated enclosure strategy, gasketing, connector selection, and thermal management across roughly –20°F to 120°F+ with ingress protection against dust, mud, rain, and snow. Cabling & Harness Engineering: Design, route, and validate wire harnesses and cable assemblies, ensuring proper strain relief, chafe protection, and buildable documentation for contract manufacturers. Sensor & Lighting Integration: Integrate perception and lighting packages (cameras, LiDAR, IMUs, work lights) with careful attention to field‑of‑view, vibration isolation, and cleanability. Design for Excellence: Apply DFM, DFA, and DFS principles from initial CAD reviews, run structural analysis (hand calculations and basic FEA), and support validation plans. Vendor & Supplier Management: Collaborate directly with machine shops, sheet metal vendors, and harness houses; release drawings, manage ECOs, and hold vendors to spec. Field Testing: Travel to field sites (approx. 15–25%) to diagnose failures, instrument systems, and feed learnings directly into subsequent hardware revisions. Job Qualifications Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical discipline. 3+ years of hands‑on mechanical engineering experience focused on robotics, autonomous systems, or heavy equipment, with an eagerness to move quickly from prototype to field deployment. Proficiency in modern CAD (such as OnShape or SolidWorks), GD&T, tolerance stacks, and production‑quality drawing creation. Direct experience integrating robotic arms, actuators, or heavy payloads onto mobile platforms; familiarity with IP67 design practices; and hands‑on cabling/harness design experience. Preferred Job Qualifications Specific experience with construction equipment, agricultural equipment, mining robotics, or defense ground vehicles. Experience designing multi‑task, multi‑payload configurable platforms, integrating perception/sensor stacks, and working with hydraulics, pneumatics, or high‑current DC power distribution. Job Details Job Type: Contract Location: South San Francisco, CA (Onsite) Pay Rate Range: $55-$70/hr. Benefits Package competitive salaries insurance plan options (HDHP plan or POS plan) education/certification reimbursement pre‑tax commuter benefits Paid Time Off (PTO) an administered 401k plan About Protingent Protingent is an Award‑Winning provider of top‑tier Engineering and IT talent, trusted by companies at the forefront of innovation — from Software and Aerospace to AI, Clean Tech, Medical Devices, and Connected Technologies. We’re passionate about making a positive impact by connecting exceptional talent with meaningful opportunities and helping our clients build the future. #J-18808-Ljbffr Protingent