Senior Mechanical Engineer, Test and Reliability

The Company Outrider, the pioneer in autonomous yard operations for logistics hubs, helps large enterprises improve safety and increase efficiency. The only company exclusively focused on automating all aspects of yard operations, Outrider eliminates manual tasks that are hazardous and repetitive. Outrider’s mission is to drive the rapid adoption of sustainable freight transportation by deploying zero‑emission systems. Outrider is a private company backed by NEA, 8VC, Koch Disruptive Technologies, and other top-tier investors. For more information, visit The Role The Senior Mechanical Engineer will report to the Sr. Manager of Hardware Engineering and support the development of custom end effector, tool, and HW system designs for robotic manipulation and autonomous vehicle systems. This position requires strong mechanical design skills and is central to ensuring our system meets rigorous durability, performance, and lifecycle requirements before and after field deployment. Successful candidates will have a demonstrated history of contributing technically to the design and implementation of complex components of robotic systems from scratch. This role is mission‑critical for helping deliver a safety‑critical system for industrial automation. The opportunity offers a technical, hands‑on team member the chance to help develop a market‑defining enterprise product that combines autonomous vehicle technology with a software‑as‑a‑service (SaaS) business model. The ideal candidate will embrace our goal to drive zero‑emission, self‑driving vehicle adoption, and help us realize our potential to define, build, and lead a new category of robotic automation for the enterprise. This role is based in Denver, CO. Duties & Responsibilities Lead reliability initiatives by analyzing failure modes, implementing design and process improvements, and driving corrective actions to improve product performance, durability, and lifecycle cost. Own test strategies for mechanical and electro‑mechanical subsystems: define test plans, acceptance criteria, and pass/fail requirements aligned to product specifications and customer use cases. Design, build, and maintain reliability test fixtures and automated test rigs that simulate real‑world operating conditions for accelerated life testing (ALT), fatigue, thermal cycling, and environmental stress screening. Support field testing and debugging, both locally and at remote customer sites. Brainstorm and prototype electro‑mechanical, and pneumatic tools for automation systems and robotic manipulators. Design and maintain parts and complex CAD assemblies for robotic end effectors, tooling, and autonomous vehicle hardware, with reliability and manufacturability as primary design inputs. Collaborate with software team members to incorporate desired sensing mechanisms and account for HW/SW integrated system design considerations. Required qualifications 5+ years of experience with integrated software/hardware systems such as robotics, autonomous vehicles, or other automotive/aerospace products with a significant portion focused on test engineering or reliability. BS or MS in mechanical engineering, computer engineering, electrical/electronics engineering, or a similar discipline. Demonstrated experience designing and building test fixtures and reliability test rigs for electro‑mechanical systems. Experience with accelerated life testing (ALT) methodologies. Experience with the product development lifecycle – particularly design for manufacture, reliability, and cost. Experience working with linear and rotary actuators. Experience designing complex electro‑mechanical and pneumatic systems from concept to product. Experience designing and documenting machined parts, weldments, sheet metal components, and assemblies. Experience creating and maintaining detailed mechanical drawings (GD&T, tolerances, and BOMs) to support test and manufacturing. Knowledge and experience selecting, designing, and/or integrating sensors to understand the state of a system. Working knowledge of Python and/or C++ for test automation or hardware‑in‑the‑loop validation. Experience using basic shop equipment (3d printer, bandsaw, mill, drill, etc.) to build rapid prototypes. Strong technical analysis skills. Ideal qualifications Experience with industrial automation equipment. Experience with linkage synthesis and linkage design. Experience with PDM and part release processes. Experience designing and optimizing joints for robotic manipulators. Prior work with contract manufacturers. Familiarity wiring sensors and designing cable harnesses. Experience working in a multidisciplinary robotics team. Familiarity working on systems for use in hardened environments. Compensation & Benefits Salary: $150,000 – $180,000 Actual compensation is based on several factors, including but not limited to job‑related skills, qualifications, experience, and specific work location due to differences in the cost of labor. Relocation assistance offered Equity: equity package commensurate with experience and skills Health Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance Parental Leave 401(K) Retirement Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Health Savings Account (HSA) Short‑Term Disability Long‑Term Disability Life insurance Pet insurance Mental health benefits Professional Development Benefits Please note: At this time, we are only hiring candidates who are currently authorized to work in the United States and reside within the U.S. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship or support international employment arrangements for this role. #J-18808-Ljbffr Outrider