At Rhoda AI, we're building the full-stack foundation for the next generation of humanoid robots — from high-performance, software-defined hardware to the foundational models and video world models that control it. Our robots are designed to be generalists capable of operating in complex, real-world environments and handling scenarios unseen in training. We work at the intersection of large-scale learning, robotics, and systems, with a research team that includes researchers from Stanford, Berkeley, Harvard, and beyond. We're not building a feature; we're building a new computing platform for physical work — and with over $400M raised, we're investing aggressively in the R&D, hardware development, and manufacturing scale-up to make that a reality.
We're looking for a Staff Mechanical Engineer specializing in gears and actuator design to develop and optimize the advanced mechanical systems that power our humanoid platform.
What You'll Do
Develop and optimize designs for various gear types — planetary, strain wave (Harmonic Drives), cycloidal, ball screws, belt drives, lead screws, and magnetic gear systems — with a focus on high specific torque, efficiency, and reliability
Conduct thermal analysis and design for both passive and active cooling systems to ensure system durability
Integrate torque and force sensing technologies into actuator designs for precise control and monitoring
Support industrialization and production of designed systems, ensuring reliability, manufacturability, cost-effectiveness, and scalability
Collaborate with electrical and software teams to integrate mechanical designs with control systems and ensure system-level performance
Participate in prototype development, conduct testing, and analyze results to refine designs
Lead project initiatives, manage timelines, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality designs
Stay current on advancements in gears, actuators, and mechanical systems and apply that knowledge to product performance
What We're Looking For
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field; advanced degree (Master's or PhD) preferred
5+ years of experience in mechanical engineering with a strong focus on gears and actuator design
Proven track record designing and analyzing complex mechanical systems, particularly geared actuators
Strong proficiency in CAD software (e.g., SolidWorks) and FEA tools for design and simulation
Excellent understanding of mechanical principles, materials science, and manufacturing processes
Experience with electric motors, drives, and motion control systems
Strong problem-solving skills and ability to lead projects, mentor team members, and interface with stakeholders
Nice to Have (But Not Required)
Experience designing actuators for humanoid robots, collaborative robots, or high-DoF manipulation systems
Familiarity with backdrivability requirements and transparent actuation for AI-driven control
Experience with series elastic actuators (SEA) or variable stiffness mechanisms
Background in DFM and scaling hardware from prototype to production
Why This Role
Design the actuators that give our humanoid its physical capability — the mechanical systems you build are the foundation everything else in the robot stack depends on
Work at the frontier of actuator design for physical AI, where the performance bar is set by what real-world autonomy actually demands
High ownership in a small, fast-moving team with direct influence over the mechanical architecture of a next-generation humanoid platform
