R&D Mechanical Engineer

Description

Whisker is redefining what it means to live with cats—designing intelligent systems that remove friction, elevate the everyday, and celebrate the quiet brilliance of feline companionship. Today, Litter-Robot leads the category. Tomorrow, an entire ecosystem that expands what’s possible for cats and the people who love them. We believe the future is feline. And we’re imagining that future today.

About the Role

We are seeking a talented and innovative Senior Mechanical Engineer to join our dynamic Research and Advanced Development team at Whisker, a leader in connected pet care products and services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Researches, develops, rapidly prototypes, and optimizes systems and mechanisms for connected pet care products, including actuators, motors, gear systems, and drive mechanisms that support automated product features
• Collaborates with cross-functional teams to ensure designs integrate smoothly with other subsystems, including sensors, electronics, and wireless communication technologies
• Conducts feasibility studies and simulations to determine the optimal designs for specific product applications
• Designs, programs, and fabricates automated test fixtures
• Defines and performs robust testing to ensure concepts meet performance requirements
• Selects appropriate materials to balance strength, weight, and cost while ensuring longevity and durability
• Designs and tests prototypes, iterating daily based on testing feedback to meet performance, reliability, and manufacturability requirements
• Develops detailed CAD models and technical drawings of motorized systems, including mechanical linkages, enclosures, and housings for integration with other product components
• Works closely with production design and sourcing teams to ensure that designs have a line of sight to scalable and cost-effective high-volume production
• Stays up to date on the latest advancements in motor technology, sensing, automation, and motion control systems to incorporate innovative solutions into new products
• Contributes to product documentation, including design specifications, design process, test procedures, and troubleshooting guides to support product development and production teams

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field
• 5-10+ years of experience in mechanical design and development, ideally in consumer electronics, IoT devices, or similar product areas
• Experience with a broad range of mechanisms employed to solve engineering problems
• Proficiency in CAD software and 3D modeling, including surfacing and top-down master modeling techniques
• Extensive experience with mechanical prototyping and rapid prototyping methods (e.g., 3D printing, CNC machining), and testing
• Knowledge of materials science and experience selecting materials for performance, durability, and manufacturability
• Knowledge of Injection molded plastics, sheet metal and other common manufacturing processes
• Understanding of design for assembly (DFA), design for manufacturability (DFM), and design for testing (DFT) principles
• Experience with integrating mechanical systems with electrical, motor, and sensor technologies
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a focus on innovative solutions that balance form, function, and cost
• Able to maintain a professional atmosphere in a fast-paced environment with numerous interactions and interruptions
• A high degree of initiative, self-motivation, and ability to motivate others
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with Team Members and colleagues
• Maintains confidentiality of proprietary information
• Comfortable with office pets (cats, dogs)

Not Required but Nice to Have

• VEX, BEST, PLTW, OCCRA, Combat Robotics, Robofest, FIRST or other design/build challenge experience, Including home projects
• Experience with Arduino, Raspberry Pi and similar platforms
• Working knowledge of GD&T and component sourcing
• Experience in designing products for consumer health or pet care markets
• Basic understanding of electrical and firmware design
• Experience with Creo

Benefits & Purrks

• Premium Medical/Dental/Vision insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Whisker Parents Program
• 1 day "pawternity" leave for new pet adoption
• Pet Insurance Discount
• 401K match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Generous paid time off
• 14 Paid Holidays
• Top of the line equipment
• Whisker products and swag
• Continuing education Support
• On-site gym with Peloton
• Referral program