Staff Mechanical Engineer, Gemini Robotics

Snapshot 

Artificial Intelligence could be one of humanity's most useful inventions. At Google DeepMind, we're a team of scientists, engineers, machine learning experts and more, working together to advance the state of the art in artificial intelligence. We use our technologies for widespread public benefit and scientific discovery, and collaborate with others on critical challenges, ensuring safety and ethics are the highest priority.

About Us 

We are looking for a Staff Mechanical Engineer to join the Robotics team whose mission is to build components for advanced robots capable of dexterous, general, and useful physical actions. You will contribute to developing the core hardware systems for our robots, aiming to enhance the lives of billions worldwide through advancements in the physical realm.

The Role 

As Staff Mechanical Engineer, you will engage in a variety of challenging projects, from inventing and prototyping complex mechanisms in laboratory settings to validating them on mobile robots. We are seeking a creative engineer driven by curiosity, strong intuition, and a proven track record working in a company that has shipped complex software-enabled products that include the key elements in robotics: compute, sensing, actuation and high performance structural components.  This position offers the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse, multi-functional team dedicated to advancing the field of robotics through rapid hardware development and testing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Rapid Mechanical Design: Develop structural and kinematic systems that define the physical capabilities of advanced mobile robots, specifically focusing on the rapid development of prototype mechanisms relevant to dexterous manipulation.
• Custom Actuator Development: Design and validate custom actuation systems, applying fundamental knowledge of transmission design, gear geometry, and tribology to optimize the performance of high-torque density robotic joints.
• Advanced Surface Modeling: Utilize advanced surface modeling techniques to design complex end effectors and anthropomorphic structures, optimizing for both functional dexterity and industrial design form factors.
• Precision Detailing & Documentation: Create detailed 3D models and 2D drawings using GD&T (ASME Y14.5), ensuring designs meet the performance, reliability, and manufacturability standards required for precision robotics hardware.
• Electromechanical Integration: Collaborate across teams to integrate complex software-enabled subsystems within strict volume constraints, ensuring seamless operation in dynamic environments.
• Material Selection & Validation: Leverage expertise in high-performance materials to balance strength, weight, and compliance. Conduct rigorous mechanical testing, failure analysis, and troubleshooting of complex mechanical systems using lab equipment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of experience in robotics or a similar field, with a specific focus on designing, building, and testing precision mechanisms for complex electromechanical systems.
• Proven track record working in a company that has shipped complex software-enabled products incorporating compute, sensors, actuators, and structural components.
• Expert proficiency with CAD design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, NX, CATIA) and PDM systems.
• Strong understanding of GD&T drafting standards (ASME Y14.5) and tolerance analysis.
• Extensive experience with high-performance materials and precision manufacturing processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency designing custom gears, planetary gearboxes, or strain-wave actuation systems including KISSsoft or Romax for gearbox modeling and optimization.
• Proficiency in simulation and analysis tools (FEA) for structural and thermal optimization.
• Experience  in advanced surface modeling for complex organic shapes
• Experience with the design and validation of robotic end effectors or humanoid hands.
• Experience with volume manufacturing processes (casting, injection molding)
• Experience transitioning designs from early concepts (NPI, EVT, DVT) to production.
• Familiarity with working with contract manufacturers and global supply chain partners

The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $183,000 - $271,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your targeted location during the hiring process.

At Google DeepMind, we value diversity of experience, knowledge, backgrounds and perspectives and harness these qualities to create extraordinary impact. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of sex, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, or related condition (including breastfeeding) or any other basis as protected by applicable law. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us know.