Senior Mechanical Design Engineer - Robotics & Automation

ABOUT VALSTAD

Valstad is building the machine that builds the ships.

We combine industrial robotics, welding, sensing, and AI to turn 3D models into real high-mix ship structure. Our mission is to rapidly expand America's maritime output by 100x.

Our team works directly with large industrial robots and real manufacturing equipment at our Austin facility. The systems we build will ultimately be deployed across shipyards and industrial facilities throughout the country.

THE ROLE

You'll own the mechanical design and development of sophisticated robotic tooling, end effectors, fixtures, and automation equipment used to reinvent the way we build ships in America.

This is a hands-on engineering role spanning concept development, detailed mechanical design, prototyping, fabrication, testing, and deployment.

We're particularly interested in engineers who have designed and built complex, custom end-of-arm tooling for industrial robots, including systems incorporating multiple actuators, sensors, gripping mechanisms, and precision mechanical assemblies. Bonus points if you've worked on high-mix applications.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• Design and develop custom robotic end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), including grippers, manipulators, welding tools, and multifunction end effectors.
• Engineer sophisticated mechanical assemblies incorporating electric, pneumatic, and hydraulic actuation.
• Design fixtures, positioning systems, and automated material-handling equipment for large steel structures.
• Perform mechanical calculations, structural analysis, tolerance analysis, and design optimization.
• Integrate motors, gearboxes, linear motion systems, bearings, sensors, and other electromechanical components.
• Collaborate closely with robotics, controls, and manufacturing engineers to develop complete automated systems.
• Own the full design-build-test iteration cycle, from early prototypes to production-ready machinery.
• Work directly with fabricators and technicians to troubleshoot and improve equipment on the shop floor.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• 5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, machine design, or industrial automation.
• Demonstrated experience designing and building complex robotic end-of-arm tooling or custom automated machinery.
• Expert proficiency in 3D CAD and mechanical assembly design.
• Strong understanding of machine elements, mechanisms, actuation systems, and structural design.
• Experience with design for manufacturing, machining, welding, and mechanical fabrication.
• Ability to independently take a mechanical system from concept through physical implementation.
• Strong practical engineering instincts and comfort working directly with hardware.

PARTICULARLY VALUABLE EXPERIENCE

• Industrial robotic systems (FANUC, ABB, KUKA, etc.).
• Complex grippers, multi-axis tooling, and adaptive manipulation systems.
• Heavy industrial automation, welding automation, or automated material handling.
• Servo-actuated mechanisms, pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
• Robotic tooling involving force sensing, compliance, or precision positioning.
• Design of custom machinery operating in demanding industrial environments.

WHAT MAKES THIS ROLE DIFFERENT

You'll be designing real machines that manipulate and fabricate massive steel structures from first principles.

You'll have substantial ownership over mechanical design decisions and the opportunity to see your systems built, tested, and deployed in an actual production environment.