Mechanical Engineer, Dynamometer and Actuator Testing Infrastructure

OpenAI - San Francisco, CA

Hiring: Mechanical Engineer, Dynamometer and Actuator Testing Infrastructure Company: OpenAI Location: San Francisco, CA Job Posted Time: 2026-09-11 18:00:16 Target Skills & Keywords : Assembly C HBase Move OpenAPI PATs SAFe TestNG About the job Required Skills: •We are seeking a Mechanical Engineer to design, build, and own the mechanical side of our robotic actuator dynamometer and test infrastructure. You will create the test stands, couplings, fixtures, load paths, guarding, and serviceable lab hardware that enable rigorous characterization of robotic actuators. •This role combines precision mechanical design with hands-on lab work. You will take robotic actuator test infrastructure from requirements and analysis through CAD, fabrication, assembly, commissioning, and iteration, partnering closely with electrical and software engineers to deliver safe, flexible, high-uptime test cells. •In this role, you will •Own the mechanical architecture of dynamometer and actuator test cells, including frames, bases, load paths, alignment, guarding, and serviceability. •Design dynamometer structures, robotic actuator fixtures, load-motor mounts, couplings, shafts, bearings, adapters, and torque-reaction hardware. •Translate robotic actuator test requirements into robust mechanical systems for torque, speed, thermal, durability, backdrive, efficiency, and failure testing. •Perform first-principles analysis and simulation for stiffness, strength, fatigue, vibration, thermal growth, critical speed, and safety factors. •Create precise, repeatable alignment strategies that protect test articles, load machines, sensors, and couplings. •Design modular fixturing that supports rapid changeover across actuator and motor variants without compromising measurement quality. •Work closely with electrical engineers on cable routing, enclosures, cooling, sensor packaging, and test-cell safety interfaces. •Work closely with software and controls engineers to define mechanical limits, safe operating envelopes, and automated-test constraints. •Build, assemble, debug, and improve test stands in the lab, using measurement and fabrication tools directly. •Develop guarding, containment, pinch-point mitigation, hard stops, and other mechanical safety systems for high-energy rotating equipment. •Manage fabrication partners and vendors for machined parts, weldments, bearings, couplings, sensors, and test-stand components. •Establish drawings, tolerance stacks, assembly procedures, inspection plans, and preventive-maintenance practices. Compensation: •$225,000 •$318,000 Interested candidates, please apply directly through the job posting on company's career page or try via AI auto apply on this platform. Don't miss this opportunity to join a forward-thinking team!