Mechanical Design Engineer: Robotics Simulation and Modeling

At Meta, we're building the future of human connection and the technology that enables it. This role is part of Meta Robotics Studio, where we design and optimize next-generation humanoid robots. You’ll use simulation-driven engineering to influence architecture decisions, validate designs, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver robust, lightweight, and high-performing robotic systems.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end FEA for major humanoid subsystems.
• Perform and communicate results for:
  • Structural analysis (static and nonlinear as needed—contacts, preloads, bolted joints, interference fits).
  • Weight optimization (topology/shape/size optimization and trade studies with manufacturability constraints).
  • Drop/shock and impact survivability analysis (energy methods, explicit/implicit where appropriate, correlation plans).
  • Modal analysis and vibration characterization (mode-shape interpretation, frequency targets, stiffness tuning, resonance avoidance).
• Define boundary conditions, load cases, acceptance criteria, and correlation plans—ensure assumptions are defensible and traceable.
• Drive design changes based on analysis: identify high-stress areas, fatigue risk, stiffness deficiencies, and robustness gaps.
• Partner with test engineering to correlate simulations to bench/vehicle/robot tests—iterate models based on measured data.
• Develop and use kinematic and dynamic models to evaluate joint architectures and actuation trade-offs.
• Quantify task-level power/energy usage and thermal implications across locomotion and manipulation tasks.
• Evaluate workspace, singularities, joint limits, torque requirements, reflected inertia, and transmission efficiency impacts.
• Produce actionable guidance to hardware and controls teams on architecture choices (DoF allocation, link lengths, actuator placement, gearing tradeoffs).
• Collaborate with mechanical design, controls, perception, embedded, manufacturing, and reliability teams from concept through EVT/DVT/PVT-style phases.
• Create clear technical documentation: assumptions, model setup, results, conclusions, design recommendations, and test correlation status.
• Establish best practices for simulation workflows (review checklists, model versioning, validation gates, and data management).

Requirements

• BS in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• 7+ years of relevant experience in robotics, aerospace, automotive, or high-performance electromechanical products.
• Demonstrated expertise in FEA including static structural analysis and interpretation of stress/strain, stiffness, and failure modes, and geometry optimization for weight reduction.
• Experience with at least one major FEA toolset (e.g., Abaqus, ANSYS, Comsol, Nastran, or similar) and pre/post processing workflows.
• Experience with drop/shock simulation and test correlation (instrumented drops, shock response spectra, impact modeling).
• Experience performing modal analysis and translating results into concrete design improvements.
• Hands-on experience building kinematic models (e.g., using MATLAB, Python, ROS/Pinocchio, Drake, or similar).
• Demonstrated knowledge of mechanics of materials, dynamics, and machine design principles as applied to product development.
• Ability to communicate analysis results clearly to mixed audiences and drive design decisions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with humanoid locomotion/manipulation requirements, including stiffness targets for control bandwidth and resonance constraints.
• Proven track record of taking analysis from concept to validated hardware.
• Working knowledge of CNC machining processes—understanding of fixturing, tool access, setup minimization, and achievable tolerances.
• Experience with PLM/PDM systems (Teamcenter, Solidworks PDM, Windchill, or similar).
• Experience modeling actuator/transmission efficiency, motor thermal limits, and energy consumption for robotic tasks.
• Direct experience with robotic systems—BLDC motors, actuators, gearboxes, linkage mechanisms.
• Background in high-mix/low-volume transitioning to mid-volume production environments.
• CAD proficiency (SolidWorks, NX, or CREO, Rhino).
• Experience managing time-sensitive projects through to completion while balancing evolving priorities and a broad range of stakeholders.
• Experience with optimization (topology/shape/parametric) and designing for manufacturability (CNC, die cast, additive, composites).
• Familiarity with injection molding, thermoforming, or composite manufacturing as it relates to complex-geometry parts.
• Experience with fatigue, joint modeling (bolts, bearings, welds/adhesives), and contact nonlinearity.
• MS in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design Engineering, or related discipline.

Pay

$173,000/year to $245,000/year + bonus + equity + benefits. Individual compensation is determined by skills, qualifications, experience, and location.

Benefits

Meta offers comprehensive benefits. Learn more about benefits at Meta.