Kinisi Robotics – Mechanical Design Engineer
Job Title: Mechanical Design Engineer
Location: Bristol, UK
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
About the Role
As a core member of the engineering team, you’ll be responsible for designing mechanical assemblies and motion systems that integrate motors, actuators, and structural components. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure our designs are robust, manufacturable, and performance-ready.
What You’ll Do
Design and Development
* Create mechanical assemblies and sub-systems for robotic platforms, including actuator mounts, transmission systems, structural frameworks, and enclosures. Emphasis on robustness, modularity, and serviceability.
Actuator and Motion Integration
* Specify and integrate motors, gearboxes, and other motion components. Understand torque/speed requirements, duty cycles, and how control systems interact with mechanical constraints.
FEA and Engineering Analysis
* Use FEA tools to simulate stress, deformation, and thermal behavior of components. Interpret results and apply them to design iterations, material selection, and risk mitigation.
Prototyping and Assembly Support
* Work closely with technicians and engineers during the prototyping phase. Oversee mechanical builds, provide technical drawings, BOMs, and ensure tolerances and fits are appropriate for assembly and testing.
Design for Manufacture (DFM)
* Apply DFM principles to reduce cost, improve reliability, and streamline production. Select appropriate manufacturing processes and optimize parts accordingly.
Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
* Collaborate with electrical and software teams to ensure clean mechanical integration of wiring, sensors, PCBs, and other critical systems. Ensure the mechanical design supports maintainability and ease of access.
Testing and Iteration
* Participate in system-level testing. Collect data, diagnose mechanical issues, and implement design changes based on test outcomes or field feedback.
Documentation and Handoff
* Produce and maintain detailed CAD models, technical drawings, and documentation packages for review, manufacturing, and compliance.
Qualifications
* Solid experience in mechanical design for robotics, automation, or electromechanical systems
* Strong understanding of motors, actuators, and mechanism design
* Proficiency in FEA and CAD tools (SolidWorks)
* Experience with design for manufacture (DFM) and practical assembly constraints
* A critical thinker with strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail
Bonus Skills
* Familiarity with electrical systems, cabling, or sensor integration
* Exposure to firmware or embedded software development environments
Why Join Us?
* This is an opportunity to work on cutting-edge robotic systems in a collaborative, hands-on environment. You’ll contribute to a product that’s heading to market and help shape the future of industrial automation.