Freelance Autonomous Systems Engineer Jobs in Athens, GA

The Mechanical Systems Engineer is responsible for the mechanical design, analysis, development, testing and life-cycle support of machinery and equipment. This role owns the complete mechanical design of mechanical equipment, robotic cells, and automated manufacturing systems, including end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), fixtures, guarding, support structures, and integration with conveyors, actuators, and ancillary automation. The role is also responsible for supporting transfer to manufacturing. The engineer collaborates closely with controls, robotics, manufacturing, and field-service teams to ensure the equipment meets performance, reliability, maintainability, safety, and cost objectives.

The role is also required to support in-house and field testing, installation, startup, commissioning, problem-solving, and troubleshooting at customer sites, as needed.

Mechanical Design

• Design and develop integrated electromechanical systems
• Create detailed 3D CAD models and production drawings for equipment, EOAT, frames, tooling, and guarding.
• Apply hygienic design principles for wash-down, food contact, and sanitary environments.
• Ensure proper motion design and integration including clearance and service access.
• Ensure designs meet performance, reliability, safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Produce BOMs, routings, change documentation, maintenance procedures, and build instructions.
• Create, develop and maintain system documentation including equipment manuals and videos, technical data, part information, and as-build and as-fielded technical data sets.

Integration & Collaboration

• Work closely with robotics and controls engineers on motion planning constraints, EOAT requirements, and simulation-driven layout decisions.
• Incorporate sensors, pneumatics, cabling, dress packs, and safety devices into the mechanical design.

Engineering Analysis & Validation

• Perform structural, dynamic, motion, and tolerance analyses (FEA, mechanism analysis, DFMEA, PFMEA) applying both theoretical and practical design principles.
• Conduct design reviews, Design for X (Manufacturability, Assembly, Installation, Maintainability, etc.) reviews, and seek cross organizational input to designs.

Testing, Validation & Commissioning

• Develop and execute test plans for prototypes, subsystems, and full systems to verify performance and compliance
• Support prototype builds, system bring-up, and validation activities in lab and production environments
• Participate in factory acceptance testing (FAT), field commissioning, site acceptance and life testing, and system startup
• Document results, identify issues, and drive corrective actions to closure

Troubleshooting & Product Support

• Diagnose and resolve issues in electromechanical systems during development, production, and field operation
• Provide technical support to manufacturing, service, and customer teams
• Perform root-cause analysis and implement corrective and preventive actions
• Support ongoing product maintenance, upgrades, and sustaining engineering activities

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Continuous Improvement

• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, controls, software, manufacturing, and quality teams to deliver product solutions
• Drive improvements in system performance, reliability, manufacturability, and cost
• Contribute to engineering standards, best practices, and documentation processes

Field Support

• Provide on-site installation and commissioning support for robotic equipment.
• Assist with root-cause analysis and continuous improvement initiatives.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or similar program from an ABET accredited program
• 3 years’ experience in the design of equipment and machinery.
• 3 years’ experience using Solidworks or Inventor in a professional environment
• Experience troubleshooting machine applications in production environments
• Strong documentation and cross-functional collaboration skills

• Experience in food or sanitary equipment environments
• Ability to work collaboratively and execute tasks autonomously with transparency and integrity, incorporating multiple sources of input and aligning with consensus direction.
• Excellent English language communication (oral, written, and listening) and interpersonal skills.
• Team-oriented; able to interact effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Strong research and analytical skills for investigating project-related issues and innovations.
• Able to troubleshoot, solve problems and quickly recommend solutions.
• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds
• Able to travel 25% of the time.

The responsibilities are not to be considered exhaustive. Other responsibilities will be applied to the role as needed.