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.
Responsibilities
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
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
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 re
Additional Information
Advisory Mechanical / Hardware Engineer Ricoh USA - Boulder R&D
Ricoh · US