Mechanical Engineer 1

Company Description
The ARM Institute leverages a robust consortium of 500+ consortium members and partners across industry, academia, and government to strengthen and grow US manufacturing. The ARM Institute does this by catalyzing solutions that drive the adoption of robotics and physical AI. With a forward-looking focus on innovative, yet practical, technology and workforce development solutions and leveraging the nation’s largest consortium of automation experts, the ARM Institute asserts the United States as leading nation in manufacturing output through the adoption of robotics and AI. As a Manufacturing Innovation Institute (MII) and part of the Manufacturing USA® network, the ARM Institute team plays a critical, national role in driving the innovations needed to grow US manufacturing.Position Overview
The ARM Institute is seeking a Mechanical Engineer I to support the design, development, integration, and testing of advanced mechanical systems and robotic applications. This early-career position provides an opportunity to apply foundational engineering principles in a collaborative, research-focused environment while developing hands-on experience with robotics, automation, prototyping, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

The Mechanical Engineer I will work closely with ARM’s engineering team and technicians to design and develop robotic cells, production tooling, components, test fixtures, and automated systems. The position will also support system integration, testing, data analysis, troubleshooting, and design validation activities.

This role is well suited for an engineer who demonstrates curiosity, initiative, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn while contributing to multidisciplinary engineering projects.

Responsibilities
Mechanical Design & Development

• Contribute to the design and development of robotic cells and automated systems.
• Assist with ground-up design of production tooling with a focus on efficiency, reliability, and ease of use.
• Assist in the design of end-of-arm tooling for material handling and manipulation of complex parts.
• Contribute to the development of custom tests, test fixtures, and mechanical solutions for robotic components and subsystems.
• Support prototype assembly, integration, and testing activities for robotic applications and automated systems.

Robotics, Integration & Testing

• Assist with basic programming and integration of industrial robots.
• Support testing activities that simulate real-world robotic applications and motion profiles.
• Collect, organize, and analyze testing data related to system performance, build quality, cycle time, and reliability.
• Perform thermal and structural analysis using hand calculations and simulation tools with appropriate guidance.
• Investigate test and field failures, identify potential root causes, and support redesign and corrective-action efforts.
• Perform statistical analysis, including tolerance stack-ups, to support design robustness.

Systems & Technical Support

• Gather and document system requirements for development, tracking, and verification.
• Support applications involving computer vision systems, including camera models and basic computer vision algorithms.
• Follow established engineering procedures to complete assigned tasks and resolve routine technical problems.
• Participate in design reviews, project discussions, technical meetings, and presentations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams while seeking direction and technical guidance as appropriate.

Collaboration & Professional Development

• Maintain clear technical documentation and communicate project updates effectively.
• Manage assigned tasks and priorities to support project schedules and deadlines.
• Participate in meetings, conferences, or other activities representing the ARM Institute as needed.
• Perform other duties as required and assigned.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Electrical Engineering, or a related engineering field.
• Foundational understanding of mechanical engineering principles, methods, and procedures.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks, Unigraphics/NX, Creo, Fusion 360, Autodesk Inventor, or comparable CAD software.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and apply new technical concepts with guidance.
• Strong organizational and attention-to-detail skills with the ability to manage multiple defined tasks.
• Basic project coordination and time-management skills with the ability to track assignments and meet deadlines.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary technical teams.
• Ability to work on-site at ARM Institute's Mill 19 facility as required.
• Must be a U.S. citizen.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous internship, co-op, academic project, research, or other hands-on engineering experience.
• Participation in engineering clubs, competitions, or extracurricular technical activities such as FIRST Robotics, Baja SAE, Formula SAE, or similar programs.
• Experience with robotic cells, automation systems, industrial robots, or manufacturing equipment.
• Experience designing production tooling, fixtures, or end-of-arm tooling.
• Exposure to prototype fabrication, assembly, testing, or design validation.
• Experience with thermal, structural, or tolerance analysis.
• Familiarity with computer vision systems or camera technologies.
• Experience working with cross-functional engineering or manufacturing teams.

Why ARM?
At ARM Institute, you’ll help accelerate the adoption of robotics and AI technologies that strengthen U.S. manufacturing.  You’ll collaborate with leading manufacturers, technology companies, startups, researchers, and government partners on projects with national impact while helping shape the future of advanced manufacturing.
We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial well-being, work-life balance, and professional success.
Benefits

• Enjoy 4 weeks of paid vacation from your first year, 11 paid holidays, 5 floating holidays annually
• Company-paid Short-Term Disability (STD), Long-Term Disability (LTD), and Life Insurance on day one
• Enroll in Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance with health savings plan options beginning the first day of the month following your hire date.
• Receive a $100 monthly communication allowance and a one-time $500 home office stipend to support your remote work environment.
• Receive employer retirement contributions equal to 8% of your salary beginning after your first month of employment. Employer contributions become fully vested after three years.
• Receive up to 2 weeks of paid parental and family leave, including paid bonding leave, after 6 months of employment.
• ARM proudly supports those who serve by providing up to 30 days of paid military leave each year.

Join us in advancing the future of U.S. manufacturing.
We believe diversity is essential to our organization’s growth and success.  We strive to create an inclusive, welcoming culture and seek individuals of all backgrounds to join our innovative organization.

ARM Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
 

We believe diversity is essential to our organization’s growth and success and strive to create an inclusive, accepting culture and seek individuals of all backgrounds to join our innovative organization. ARM is an equal opportunity employer.