Lead Prototyping Engineer/Machinist, DeepMind

DeepMind, Cambridge, MA, USA Lead Prototyping Engineer/Machinist Artificial Intelligence is moving beyond the screen and into the physical world. At Google DeepMind, we are pioneering "Embodied AI"—teaching intelligence to understand, navigate, and physically interact with reality. But the world’s most advanced AI models are fundamentally limited by the hardware they control. To bridge this gap, we are building an in‑house robotics team to design, machine, and assemble the bespoke physical systems that will bring the next generation of AI to life. Responsibilities Lead the "zero‑to‑one" manufacturing of core hardware, bridging the gap between abstract research and high‑performance physical reality. Program, set up, and operate high‑end multi‑axis fleets to produce complex cylindrical, prismatic, and organic geometries. Maintain sub‑thousandth precision through routine 5‑axis kinematic calibration, tramming, and rigorous first‑article inspections using coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and optical comparators. Design and manufacture custom CAD work‑holding solutions and establish standardized, optimized CAM tool libraries. Apply first‑principles machining to titanium, PH stainless steels, and Inconel 718, including in‑house heat treatment for rapid prototype cadences. Drive shop floor excellence, manage specialized gear manufacturing cycles, and optimize project workflows using Fulcrum Pro. Own the prototyping process end‑to‑end, working in daily lockstep with researchers to deliver hardware out of novel materials for extreme environments. Provide constructive design for manufacturability guidance to engineers when it truly matters. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree or equivalent practical experience. 10 years of experience as a CNC machinist in an R&D environment. Experience with modern CAD platforms (Onshape and SolidWorks). Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) standards (ASME Y14.5 and ISO GPS). Proven experience in CNC prototype gear manufacturing using Mill‑Turn machines (e.g., hobbing, skiving, or custom gear cycles). Direct experience with machining and tooling strategies required for 17‑4 PH, 15‑5 PH, and Inconel 718 to manage work‑hardening and tool life. Proficiency in simultaneous 5‑axis milling and complex multi‑axis mill‑turn programming and operation. Familiarity with high‑end control architectures, specifically Heidenhain, Siemens (840D/Sinumerik One), or Okuma OSP. Proven track record of significant contributions in high‑velocity, technology‑first industries such as Formula 1, elite motorsports, robotics R&D labs, or automotive skunk works. Strong understanding of research and development workflows, execution–feedback balance, and design for manufacturability. Excellent problem‑solving skills for conceptually incomplete designs. English proficiency required. Compensation US: $105,000–149,000 (USD) + 0% bonus target. Benefits Equity is granted exclusively and discretely by Alphabet Inc. on a case‑by‑case basis according to the relevant stock plan. Equal Opportunity Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition, expecting or parents‑to‑be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google’s EEO Policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr Google Inc.