Staff Mechanical Engineer (Phantom)

Back to Jobs
Foundation logo

Staff Mechanical Engineer (Phantom)

Foundation

180,000–300,000 / Year

Location

San Francisco, CA

Experience

Senior

Posted

Jul 30, 2026

Apply by

August 29, 2026

Applicants

0

Early applicantEasy applyFull-timeWork from Office

Job Description

About Foundation: Foundation is developing the future of general purpose robotics with the goal to[address the labor shortage.](https://share.polymail.io/v1/z/b/NjYyMmI4MThkNzMw/5alY8ShNDXEosfFKZyUZuTXEhYt3pLjXRmAMVunRXlK3USw6hLs5dIaPO0gp3y9abp6xEAMig9AEKzfLE8sqn9lIByRHH0wlxTOua2tLFeS4A6AYSRquJyiE_S55wF8KMdm4sNe0ayWxxaxD46QNdDhohDtkhjzHNi-B-l7-RgBpoB2A7qEGG7OREui61hIOWHLXwLekOkP6RuciamM65QXdyE_2oZNkrWnABp_ytulRmAmSkFfHSTd445MvXowZ47OKyGx2) Our mission is to create advanced robots that can operate in complex environments, reducing human risk in conflict zones and enhancing efficiency in labor-intensive industries. We are on the lookout for extraordinary engineers and scientists to join our team. Your previous experience in robotics isn't a prerequisite — it's your talent and determination that truly count. We expect that many of our team members will bring diverse perspectives from various industries and fields. We are looking for individuals with a proven record of exceptional ability and a history of creating things that work. Our Culture: We like to be frank and honest about who we are, so that people can decide for themselves if this is a culture they resonate with. Please read more about our culture herehttps://foundation.bot/culture. Who Should Join: - You like working in person with a team in San Francisco. - You deeply believe that this is the most important mission for humanity and needs to happen yesterday. - You are highly technical - regardless of the role you are in. We are building technology; you need to understand technology well. - You care about aesthetics and design inside out. If it's not the best product ever, it bothers you, and you need to “fix” it. - You don't need someone to motivate you; you get things done. Why are We Hiring for this Role: - At Foundation, we are designing a humanoid optimized to operate in rugged conditions to push the bounds of potential robotic applications. - You’ll be one of the core owners of the hardware for our humanoid platform and get to drive key technical decisions surrounding performance, cost, production, and reliability. - This role touches all of the humanoid hardware including actuators, battery, embedded electronics, structures, harnessing, - Working alongside AI, software, manufacturing, and electrical teams, you'll develop tightly integrated hardware that enables the next generation of intelligent robotic systems. - As a technical leader, you'll help establish the mechanical engineering discipline, mentor engineers, define architecture, and shape the future of one of the most advanced humanoid robotics platforms in the world. What Kind of Person We are Looking for: - 8+ years experience in robotics, automation, aerospace, or similar design spaces. - Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field. - Proven track record designing for mass manufacturing and scaling suppliers to volume. - Expert in common tools like CAD, and proficient in CAE tools like FEA, CFD, thermal analysis, etc. - Motivated to coach peers and juniors through best engineering practices and drive rigorous technical decision making. - Experience with GD&T and tolerance analysis for high-precision assemblies and the associated high-volume manufacturing processes. - Excited to implement continual improvements for various metrics like cost, mass, performance supporting production. Benefits - We provide market standard benefits (health, vision, dental, 401k, etc.) and equity. Join us for the culture and the mission, not for the benefits. Salary - The annual compensation is expected to be between $180,000 - $300,000. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, and location.

Key Responsibilities

  • Drive key technical decisions surrounding performance, cost, production, and reliability for the humanoid platform.
  • Develop tightly integrated hardware including actuators, battery, embedded electronics, structures, and harnessing.
  • Establish the mechanical engineering discipline and mentor engineers.
  • Define architecture and shape the future of advanced humanoid robotics platforms.
  • Implement continual improvements for cost, mass, and performance metrics.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • Mechatronics
  • or related field

Skills Required

CADFEACFDThermal analysisGD&TTolerance analysisRoboticsAutomationAerospace designLeadershipMentoringTechnical decision makingCoaching peers and juniorsAttention to detailAesthetics and design focus

Benefits

  • Health insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • 401(k)
  • Equity

App exclusive · Free

Smart Job AI Coach

Your personal interview coach on every job — readiness tips, profile improvements, and role-specific prep. Available only in the Pulse Job app.

Interview readiness

See how prepared you are and what to improve for each role.

Personalized tips

Actionable suggestions based on your profile and the job.

After you apply

Keep coaching momentum from job detail through application success.

Get Smart Job AI Coach in the appFree on iOS and Android