Senior R&D Mechanical Engineer – Robotics & Automation

Advisory Mechanical / Hardware Engineer Ricoh USA — Boulder R&D About the Role Versatile hardware engineer for a small Boulder R&D team working across inkjet, robotics, machine vision, and renewable energy programs. You'll contribute to mechanical and electromechanical design from benchtop proof-of-concept through production hardware, including: A renewable energy program advancing next-generation solar cell manufacturing A UR-based collaborative palletizing system on a path to CE marking and contract manufacturing Continuous-feed inkjet inspection platforms and their expansion across our automation product roadmap When mechanical workload ebbs, you'll flex into software: Python and C++ for robotics, image processing, and high-throughput image processing pipelines. We're all-in on Claude Code for software and hardware work — comfort with agentic AI tooling is a real differentiator. What You'll Do Contribute to mechanical/electromechanical design end-to-end: idea → concept → POC → DVT → production hardware Design EOAT, base frames, electrical and pneumatic systems for robotics and automation Design industrial control panels, cable harnesses, and enclosures — component selection, circuit design, panel layout, routing, and grounding Scope and ship one-off / bespoke automation builds — purpose-built rigs and process automation where you own the design from ambiguous brief to working hardware Build robust optical/imaging fixtures (lighting, motion, alignment) for inline inspection systems Generate manufacturing-ready documentation: 3D CAD, electrical schematics, BOMs, assembly/work instructions, test protocols Partner with software/controls on integration: motion/vision triggers, sensor interfaces, PLC and robot controller communications Contribute to safety and certification work: risk assessment, Performance Level analysis, CE marking, EMC/LVD/RoHS, and US NRTL paths where applicable Flex into hardware-adjacent applied software when HW workload is light Required Qualifications BS in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field; MS a plus Demonstrated track record of delivering multiple complex electromechanical products from POC through production — as a key contributor, not a peripheral one Proficiency in 3D CAD (NX, Solidworks, or equivalent) and electrical schematic tools (AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or equivalent) Sheet metal and machined part design experience — DFM for bending, machining, and assembly; GD&T experience working directly with fab shops Hands-on with EOAT/gripper design, pneumatics, motion systems, sensors, and control-cabinet design and wiring Python or C++ for embedded/robotic systems; Linux proficiency Experience with machine vision / imaging hardware integration (cameras, lighting, lensing, calibration) Strong systems thinking; thrives in a fast-moving, multi-project R&D environment Highly Desired Robotics software: ROS 2 (MoveIt 2, ROS 2 Control, TF2), UR programming (URCaps, safety configuration, controller integration) Bespoke / one-off automation experience — integrator-style builds, purpose-built machines for a single customer or process (vs. high-volume catalog products) Product certification: CE/UKCA, UL/CSA/NRTL, EMC pre-compliance; EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230 Advanced vision & compute: Stereo/RGB-D (6DoF pose, object detection), high-throughput image processing pipelines, GPU acceleration Contract-manufacturing transfer: documentation packages, quality systems, production handoff Precision equipment industry: inkjet, semiconductor, thin-film, or web/roll-to-roll manufacturing environments Agile / Scrum: sprint planning, backlog grooming, iterative delivery Mindset Comfortable navigating loosely-defined problems and shipping working hardware without a fully spec'd brief Embraces shifting priorities — focus moves between programs as priorities shift Equally strong working independently and as part of a small team Comfortable with AI coding tools and willing to explore emerging AI-assisted engineering workflows You don't need prior printing domain experience — we'll ramp you on that. Your strength is in systems integration and hardware delivery. Working Conditions, Mental and Physical Demands Cope with stressors and demands that are associated with the job and/or the work environment so that acceptable and defined levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained. (While all jobs involve dealing with stressors, the particular stressors may vary job to job). Work in areas which adhere to state and federal regulatory standards, or where no such standards exist, to nationally accepted guidelines; i.e., dust, fumes, physical and chemical agents. Adaptable and flexible to work environment including, but not limited to, out of town travel as required to meet business commitments and working overtime, as business needs may require, handling multiple tasks concurrently, and easily adapting to new assignments, systems, tools; produce clear, concise, accurate written communication, clearly conveying thoughts and ideas to peers, management, and customers; establish and maintain positive work relationships with peers, management, and customers, displaying willingness to understand diverse points of view; learn and apply new equipment and tools within an acceptable timeframe; and assume ownership of assignments, completing commitments on time. (While all of these continuing responsibilities apply to all jobs in the company, the specific ways in which they apply may vary job to job). The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job.