Robotics Design Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

At Rhoda AI, we’re building the next generation of generalist intelligent robots. We own the full robotics stack from high-performance hardware and robot systems to the infrastructure and state-of-the-art foundation world models that control our robots. Our robots are designed to be generalists capable of operating in complex, real-world environments and handling long-tail edge cases, made possible by our cutting edge research and end-to-end system design. We've raised over $400M and are investing aggressively in model research, infrastructure, hardware development, and manufacturing scale-up to make generalist robotics a reality.

As a Senior Engineer, you will own the full product lifecycle of our robot’s Class-A surfaces that define its appearance and protect its core.

Robots are high performance multiaxial kinematic systems where heavy‑duty structural integrity meets sub millimeter precision.

In this role, you are the CEO of your components. You will navigate a diverse landscape of materials (e.g., textiles, polymers, and composites), interfacing with cross‑functional teams to ensure our products are functional, reliable, robust, and well‑crafted.

We operate as T‑shaped engineers. While you must be a generalist capable of solving any hardware challenge, your superpower for this role must be thin‑walled component design and industrialization from concept to mass production.

• End‑to‑End Ownership: Manage the product lifecycle from initial concept and design studio interaction to end‑of‑life, ensuring feasibility, sustainability, and craftsmanship.

• A‑Class Surface Integration: Integrate the cladding subsystem of your ownership, balancing aesthetic, mechanical, cost, and time constraints.

• Systems & Tolerance Management: Define design criteria and lead engineering studies for subsystem compatibility. Perform dimensional stack‑up analysis for critical‑to‑function and aesthetic interfaces.

• Detailed Engineering & DfM: Design complex B‑side features (ribbing, bosses, clip towers, hooks) that support performance without compromising A‑side aesthetics. Develop robust attachment strategies, including joining features (e.g., snaps, hooks, welds).

• Validation & Prototyping: Coordinate cladding prototype builds, evaluate assembly feasibility during slow builds, and validate components against requirements.

• Technical Documentation: Produce high‑fidelity 3D CAD models (CATIA preferred) and 2D engineering drawings with comprehensive GD&T and datum strategies.

• Simulation & Failure Avoidance: Interpret FEA analysis (e.g., structural, Moldflow) to iterate designs. Think at a systems level and apply a failure mode avoidance mentality to ensure long‑term reliability.

• Supplier & Cross‑Functional Interaction: Partner with Supply Chain and Tier 1/2 suppliers for RFQs and technical feasibility reviews; troubleshoot integration issues during build phases.

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or a related field.

• Experience: 5+ years of engineering experience, including at least one full-cycle product launch.

• Core Fundamentals: Proficiency in design integration to balance material selection, geometry, and structural trade‑offs informed by product use cases and functional/engineering requirements.

• Technical "Superpower": Deep Knowledge in thin‑walled component design and/or high‑performance composites (fiber‑resin systems).

• Engineering Tools: Ability to define datum strategies and tolerances from concept through to Class‑A maturation with a deep understanding of GD&T as a driver. Proficiency in CATIA (or equivalent) with the ability to communicate ideas through sections and CAD studies to progress development to production.

• The "Owner" Mindset: Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to use first principles thinking to solve technical bottlenecks under tight timelines.

• Soft Goods Experience: Experience integrating textiles, artificial leather, elastomers, or cellular structures into designs.

• Advanced Manufacturing: Deep knowledge of injection molding, RIM, vacuum forming, or thermoforming.

• Finishing & Lighting: Familiarity with polymer surface finishes (painting, plating, etc.) or integration of vehicle interior lighting.

• Dual-Hat Experience: Background in both Design Engineering and Manufacturing/Assembly Engineering.