US-Citizen Founding Mechanical Engineer

Ovael is developing cutting-edge VR and robotic technologies, and they are seeking a Founding Mechanical Engineer to help build innovative hardware products. This role involves broad technical ownership, including the establishment of mechanical-engineering standards and the conversion of product concepts into manufacturable systems.

Responsibilities:

• End-to-end mechanical architecture for assigned products
• 3D CAD parts, assemblies, engineering drawings, and design revisions
• Structural frames, joints, mechanisms, enclosures, mounts, and protective shells
• Integration of actuators, bearings, transmissions, sensors, batteries, electronics, wiring, and cooling systems
• Material, fastener, bearing, motor, and manufacturing-process selection
• Structural, thermal, motion, tolerance, fatigue, and failure analysis
• Prototype planning, assembly, testing, validation, and design improvement
• Bills of materials, specifications, assembly instructions, and supplier packages
• Design-for-manufacturing, assembly, service, repair, safety, and cost
• Mechanical engineering standards, file organization, and documentation processes
• Coordination with industrial-design, electrical, software, controls, haptics, and manufacturing teams
• Technical communication with prototype shops, suppliers, and contract manufacturers
• Complete mechanical architectures
• Production-quality 3D CAD models and assemblies
• Manufacturing-ready drawings using GD&T
• Material and component specifications
• Tolerance-stack calculations
• Structural and thermal analysis
• Bills of materials
• Exploded assembly diagrams
• Prototype-build documentation
• Test and validation plans
• Supplier-ready manufacturing packages

Requirements:

• Degree in mechanical engineering or equivalent practical experience
• Strong portfolio demonstrating complex mechanical systems
• Advanced proficiency with SolidWorks, Onshape, Creo, CATIA, Fusion 360, or similar CAD software
• Strong understanding of mechanics, materials, tolerances, bearings, fasteners, and load calculations
• Experience producing engineering drawings using GD&T
• Knowledge of CNC machining, sheet metal, injection molding, composites, and additive manufacturing
• Experience building, assembling, and testing physical prototypes
• Ability to independently move a mechanical system from concept through prototype
• Strong problem-solving, documentation, and technical communication skills
• Comfortable working in an early-stage environment with significant ownership
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Experience with humanoid, quadruped, mobile, or industrial robots
• Experience with VR, AR, wearables, haptics, or consumer electronics
• Knowledge of robotic actuators, transmissions, gear systems, and cable management
• Experience with finite element and tolerance-stack analysis
• Understanding of thermal management and electronics packaging
• Experience developing lightweight body-worn hardware
• Experience working directly with suppliers and manufacturers
• Experience contributing to a hardware product from concept through production