Actuator Design Engineer

Openai·Remote(San Francisco)

Software Development

WFA Digital Insight

The demand for skilled robotics engineers has grown significantly, with a 25% increase in job listings over the past year. As companies like Openai push the boundaries of artificial intelligence and robotics, the need for experts in actuator design and development has never been more pressing. With the rise of remote work, professionals with strong digital skills are in high demand. Openai's commitment to innovation and its impact on people's lives make this role particularly compelling. Before applying, candidates should be aware of the company's emphasis on collaboration, fast-paced environments, and aggressive technical goals.

Job Description

About the Role

The Actuator Design Engineer will play a critical role in Openai's Robotics team, which is focused on developing general-purpose robotics and pushing towards AGI-level intelligence in dynamic, real-world settings. This role entails leading the development of custom electromechanical actuators for advanced robotic systems, working closely with various teams to integrate cutting-edge hardware and software. The successful candidate will be responsible for owning actuator development from early architecture and concept generation through prototype validation and system integration.

As part of the Robotics team, the Actuator Design Engineer will be working in a fast-paced environment with evolving requirements and aggressive technical goals. The team's focus on seamlessly blending high-level AI capabilities with the constraints of physical systems to improve people's lives makes this role both challenging and rewarding.

What You Will Do

Lead the architecture, design, and integration of custom robotic actuators, including motors, transmissions, sensing, thermal systems, structural components, and packaging.
Define actuator requirements and system-level trade studies around torque density, bandwidth, efficiency, thermal performance, backdrivability, inertia, reliability, manufacturability, and cost.
Design precision electromechanical assemblies with strong attention to tolerances, alignment, load paths, thermal expansion, sealing, wear, and serviceability.
Drive actuator integration into robotic systems, partnering closely with controls, firmware, electrical, and robotics software teams to optimize closed-loop performance.
Develop and evaluate architectures with integrated sensing and encoder strategies.
Build and validate prototypes through hands-on bring-up, debugging, characterization, and iterative refinement.
Develop test methodologies and characterization infrastructure for actuator performance, reliability, durability, and failure analysis.
Analyze test data to identify limitations, failure modes, and opportunities for design improvement.
Collaborate with manufacturing and supplier partners to transition designs from prototype to scalable production-ready assemblies.

What We Are Looking For

Strong intuition for designing high-performance electromechanical systems and understanding the tradeoffs between performance, robustness, manufacturability, and cost.
Experience in operating at both subsystem and system levels, balancing actuator-level optimization with overall robot integration needs.
Highly hands-on and enjoy building, debugging, instrumenting, and testing hardware directly.
Ability to move fluidly between first-principles analysis, rapid prototyping, and production-oriented engineering decisions.
Comfortable working in fast-moving environments with evolving requirements and aggressive technical goals.
Strong sense of ownership and proactively drive cross-functional alignment to unblock progress.
Excellent communication skills to collaborate effectively with research, controls, manufacturing, and operations teams.
Deep understanding of electromechanical systems, including motors, transmissions, and sensing technologies.

Nice to Have

Experience with robotic systems and their applications.
Knowledge of AI and machine learning principles.
Familiarity with computer-aided design (CAD) software and finite element analysis (FEA) tools.

Benefits and Perks

Competitive compensation package.
Opportunities for professional growth and development in a rapidly evolving field.
Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experts.
Flexible working hours and remote work options.
Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools.
Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans.
Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
Professional development budget for attending conferences and workshops.

How to Stand Out

Develop a strong portfolio: Showcase your previous work in actuator design and development, including any prototypes or projects you've led.
Highlight your communication skills: As an Actuator Design Engineer, you'll be working closely with various teams, so emphasize your ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.
Stay up-to-date with industry trends: Follow the latest advancements in robotics, AI, and electromechanical systems to demonstrate your expertise and passion for the field.
Prepare for a hands-on interview: Be ready to discuss your design decisions, problem-solving approaches, and experience with rapid prototyping and testing.
Research Openai's culture and values: Show your understanding of the company's mission and how you can contribute to its goals.
Be prepared to discuss your experience with agile development methodologies: Highlight your ability to work in fast-paced environments with evolving requirements and aggressive technical goals.
Ask informed questions: Prepare a list of questions about the role, the team, and the company's approach to robotics and AI development.

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