Lead Mechanical Engineer

IUNU

IUNU

Seattle, WA, USA
Posted on Nov 11, 2024

At IUNU (“you knew”), we're amplifying the ability of growers to produce the highest quality greenhouse crops by leveraging robotics, computer vision, and AI. Our LUNA system is deployed at greenhouses in more than 15 countries, providing critical information like yield forecasts, pest detection, and germination rates to growers on mobile and web platforms. By increasing yield and reducing waste, we're building a sustainable future full of delicious vegetables!

As a Lead Mechanical Engineer at IUNU, you will design, develop, and improve robotic systems that operate with a high degree of reliability in the challenging environment of a greenhouse, as well as lead our assembly team in the efficient and correct manufacture of our robotic systems. You possess an in-depth understanding of mechanical system design for harsh industrial environments such as IP67 waterproofing, high thermal loads in varying ambient temperatures, and significant vibration exposure. You combine your technical abilities with leadership skills to establish high standards of reliability and accountability for our fleet in the field, and you have experience maintaining those standards in production. You have participated in DFM/DFA processes, and have directly led on-site assembly teams. Your curiosity and passion for engineering drive you to work cross-functionally, fostering a collegial and collaborative engineering culture.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, develop, and improve IUNU robotic systems and deployments across multiple product lines
  • Establish a high standard for the mechanical components of our robots and hardware installations with a focus on reliability, safety, and consistency
  • Maintain system design schematics for production and prototype robots and develop documentation for assembly and deployment
  • Perform site surveys, create detailed installation drawings, and design parts to support deployment in mechanical greenhouse systems
  • Identify and manage opportunities to improve manufacturing (in-house and contracted) with respect to cost, timeliness, and quality, making the appropriate recommendations and tradeoffs as necessary
  • Author, maintain, and approve engineering drawings, build processes, and acceptance criteria, and continually improve quality assurance and quality compliance
  • Work closely with electrical, firmware, application, and other mechanical engineers to efficiently size, groom, and prioritize work items in an Agile environment
  • Troubleshoot, triage, and fix production issues and design or manufacturing-related problems rapidly
  • Participate in accelerated testing of components for determining MTBF, lifespan, maintenance cycles, and the associated acceptance criteria based on business needs
  • Lead the on-site assembly team, optimizing production and processes with a metrics-driven approach
  • Manage relationships with external suppliers and vendors
  • Open to travel 10%

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related technical field with typically a minimum of 10 years of related experience and at least 3 years leading engineering or assembly teams
  • Experience designing and analyzing parts and assemblies in SolidWorks
  • Experience with drafting and producing high-quality drawing packages for architecture
  • Solid understanding and application of principles, concepts, theories, and techniques in mechanical engineering
  • Experience converting non-technical inputs into objectively verifiable engineering requirements
  • Ability to quickly turn a finalized design into a physical prototype by producing engineering drawings, sourcing suppliers, working through procurement challenges, and leading final assembly on compressed timelines
  • Ability to write clear and comprehensive technical documentation
  • Detail-oriented with excellent critical thinking, communication, and time management skills
  • Data-driven problem-solving skills to troubleshoot, triage, and fix mechanical, electrical, and software issues within production, design, and manufacturing
  • Experience with industrial design, DFA, DFM and working with external suppliers

Desired:

  • Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related technical field
  • Experience with mechanical engineering in a regulated industry such as aerospace or medical
  • Prior robotics hardware implementation experience
  • Hands-on experience with additive manufacturing practices and operating associated hardware
  • Ability to read an electrical schematic or PCB layout
  • Experience in low- to medium-volume manufacturing environments involving large products
  • Six Sigma training / certification
  • Experience designing, implementing, and testing both static and dynamic systems
  • Experience working within an early/growth-stage startup team

We’re looking for a candidate who values transparency in communication and is comfortable documenting and troubleshooting issues. You should be able to communicate effectively with team members, including summarizing design decisions, test requirements, and root cause analysis. You are able to write design, assembly, and maintenance documentation and present them in a logical manner. You are comfortable with ambiguity and want to work in a fast-paced startup environment.

Benefits

  • Competitive salary + equity
  • Unlimited PTO
  • Medical / Dental / Vision

Diversity

At IUNU, we’re committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment. We are dedicated to the happiness and success of all of our employees, and strive to foster a workplace in which individual differences are recognized, appreciated, nurtured, and respected. Diversity is important, and we strongly encourage people of all identities and backgrounds to confidently apply for a job with us if this is a role that interests and excites you. We want you to feel comfortable bringing your whole self to work with you, with all of your talents and strengths.