OpenAI is an AI research and deployment company dedicated to ensuring that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits all of humanity.
About the role
Our Robotics team is focused on unlocking general-purpose robotics and pushing towards AGI-level intelligence in dynamic, real-world settings.
We are seeking a senior Actuator Electromagnetic Design Engineer to lead the development of custom electromechanical actuators for advanced robotic systems.
This role is based in San Francisco, CA, and requires in-person presence 4 days a week.
Responsibilities
Lead the architecture, design, and integration of custom robotic actuators, including the design, simulation, integration and sourcing of custom electromagnetic components.
Define actuator requirements and system-level trade studies around torque density, bandwidth, efficiency, thermal performance, inertia, reliability, manufacturability, and cost.
Design precision electromechanical assemblies with strong attention to tolerances, alignment, load paths, thermal expansion, sealing, wear, and serviceability.
Drive actuator integration into robotic systems.
Develop and evaluate architectures with integrated sensing and encoder strategies.
Build and validate prototypes through hands-on bring-up, debugging, characterization, and iterative refinement.
Develop test methodologies and characterization infrastructure for actuator performance, reliability, durability, and failure analysis.
Collaborate with manufacturing and supplier partners to transition designs from prototype to scalable production-ready assemblies.
Support DFM, DFA, DFT, calibration, and assembly strategies for electromechanical subsystems.
Contribute to actuator sourcing strategy, vendor qualification, prototype builds, and supply-chain development.
Requirements
Bachelor’s or graduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related field.
5+ years of experience designing electromagnetic systems, robotic actuators, or precision mechatronic hardware.
Experience developing actuators for robotics, automation, aerospace, automotive, or other high-performance dynamic systems.
Strong understanding of motors, transmissions, bearings, encoders, structural design, thermal management, and precision mechanical integration.
Familiarity with actuator sensing architectures, including encoder integration and calibration strategies.
Experience designing for prototype and production manufacturing processes including machining, casting, molding, and assembly.
Proficiency with CAD and PLM tools such as NX and Teamcenter or equivalent systems.
Experience developing validation plans, reliability testing, and failure analysis workflows.
Experience scaling hardware systems from prototype through EVT/DVT/PVT and into production is a plus.