Robotics Hardware Engineer

About the position

Meta is seeking a Hardware Engineer to join our Data Center Robotics Engineering team. This team is dedicated to implementing cutting-edge robotics technologies to enable highly efficient and operationally safer data centers. The Robotics Hardware Engineer is responsible for the design, development, manufacturing, deployment, and sustaining of robotics hardware solutions throughout the product life cycles to enable physical automation within Meta data centers. This role collaborates closely with software and system engineers to ensure seamless product integration, thus optimizing operational efficiency and mitigating risks across the Meta infrastructure. The solutions we work with involve a diverse array of hardware sub-components, ranging from motors and actuators, cameras and sensors, computer packages and custom electronics, as well as robot arms and grippers. The scope of builds extends from in-house prototypes to mid-low volume manufacturing with contract manufacturers, necessitating a practical experience of understanding of the manufacturing processes tailored to this production scale. This role requires an experienced, dedicated professional to effectively collaborate and influence internal stakeholders, including cross-functional teams and individuals of all levels. If you have an appetite for technology and enjoy working in small, agile, empowered teams solving complex problems within a high energy, dynamic environment then this is the role for you.

Responsibilities

• Build robust partnership with infrastructure partners to define hardware design requirements and specifications.
• Identify key enabling technologies, and make the tradeoffs between in-house design, joint design with manufacturer, versus buy.
• Lead hardware architecture reviews with software and system teams to identify and address potential gaps in the technical design, ensuring the overall solution performance and scalability.
• Perform mechanical design for robotics applications, considering factors such as structural integrity, weight optimization, serviceability, manufacturability, and assemblability for mid-low volume productions.
• Perform electrical design for robotics applications, including electrical block and circuit diagrams, cabling and harness drawings.
• Lead hardware proof-of-concept developments, perform thorough analysis and testing, including stress analysis, thermal analysis, and tolerance analysis, to validate design integrity and performance.
• Collaborate with software engineers to integrate hardware designs with software systems, ensuring seamless functionality and compatibility.
• Lead DFx efforts for different scales of manufacturing, contribute to the development of hardware assembly processes, optimizing efficiency and ensuring consistency in manufacturing.
• Lead or participate in design reviews to address technical challenges during the development, document design decisions, specifications, test procedures, and results, maintaining clear and organized records to facilitate knowledge sharing and project continuity.
• Provide technical support and guidance to internal teams and external partners (include solution vendors and Contract Manufacturers) throughout the development lifecycle, addressing inquiries and resolving issues as they arise.
• Stay abreast of advancements in robotics technology, materials science, and manufacturing processes, continuously seeking opportunities to enhance skills and contribute to the evolution of robotics hardware engineering practices.
• Mentor team members to evaluate and identify better ways to resolve issues and define updates to tools and processes.
• 15% Domestic and/or international travel required to Meta Data Centers/offices.

Requirements

• BS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics or equivalent.
• 10+ years of experience in end-to-end hardware lifecycle management and production release.
• Proven track record of dealing with ambiguity and developing processes for new technologies and taking them to production.
• Expert level understanding of mechanical engineering principles, including structural analysis, kinematics, dynamics, and material science.
• Proficiency in CAD software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, or similar tools for 3D modeling and simulation.
• Familiarity with electrical engineering concepts, collaborate effectively with electrical engineers to integrate mechanical and electronics systems.
• Experience with hands-on rapid prototyping, assembling and field testing, familiarity with prototyping techniques and tools, such as 3D printing, CNC machining, and rapid prototyping methods.
• Knowledge of manufacturing processes and techniques relevant to robotics hardware, including machining, injection molding, and sheet metal fabrication.
• Expert level of problem-solving skills and the experience to conduct thorough analysis and testing to validate design concepts and ensure robust performance.
• Effective communication skills, work collaboratively in cross-functional teams, including researchers, software engineers, and project managers.
• Demonstrated experience in managing multiple tasks and prioritize workload effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Experience in the end-to-end hardware development life cycle, including mechanical and/or electrical design, design for manufacturing, hardware assembly and testing, electrical cabling, harnessing, PCB assembly, and experience working with contract manufacturers.
• Experience of agile development processes.
• Experience thriving within interdisciplinary teams or research environments characterized by a high degree of ambiguity.
• Practical experience in engineering, program management and analytical skills.
• Experience designing and implementing reliable and robust solutions.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's or PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in the design and development of complex robotics systems, including mobile platforms (robot base, robot mast), articulated robot arms, grippers etc.
• Proficiency in finite element analysis (FEA) software for structural, thermal, and/or fluid dynamics simulations.
• Familiarity with motion control systems and robotics programming languages such as ROS (Robot Operating System) or similar frameworks.
• Experience with sensor integration and calibration for robotics applications, including vision systems, LiDAR, and inertial measurement units (IMUs).
• Knowledge of safety standards and regulations applicable to robotics systems, such as UL583 and ANSI B56.
• Experience in project management or leadership roles, including the experience in leading cross-functional teams and drive projects to successful completion.
• Experience with collaborative robot (cobot) systems and human-robot interaction (HRI) design considerations.
• Familiarity with industry-specific software tools and standards, such as CAD/CAE packages used in automotive, aerospace, or manufacturing sectors.

Benefits

• $170,000/year to $240,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits.