Junior Mechanical Engineer | Trossen Robotics
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Junior Mechanical Engineer

$22/hr | Full Time | On-Site

Portfolios are required for this position. Any application without a linked portfolio will be rejected.

Read This Portfolio Guide

Before You Apply

Having a portfolio is essential when applying for a Mechanical Design Engineering position. Without it, it's like trying to get a job as a chef without letting anyone taste your food or as a painter without showing your artwork. If you don't have one, it's best to wait to submit your application until you do, as your resume may get passed over otherwise. A good portfolio demonstrates that you are invested in your career and are willing to put effort into presenting yourself professionally.

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Don't forget that "DESIGN" is in the name "Mechanical Design Engineering", so it's crucial to showcase your design skills.

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Here's what you should include in your portfolio: 

  • Screenshots of CAD projects you've worked on

  • Photos or videos of physical builds you've completed

  • Detailed descriptions of your projects and your specific contributions, especially if it was a team effort

  • Discussion of challenges and iterations you overcame during the project

 

Make sure to add your personal projects and work done outside of school assignments. Hiring managers like to see candidates' passion and evidence that they're pursuing challenging projects on their own, rather than just completing classroom assignments.

Your portfolio doesn't have to be extravagant. It can be a simple PDF or hosted on GitHub. The most important thing is to showcase your projects.

Tamer Shaheen has an EXCELLENT video with a ton of great advice.

Date: 01/23/25

Pay: $22/hr

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***NOTE*** This job requires a portfolio to apply. Directions for applying with a portfolio are provided on the website application form.

 

Trossen Robotics has an exciting opportunity for an engineer looking to start their career with hands-on experience working on robotic projects. The best way to learn is by doing, and we have many projects to learn on. If you are an eager, enthusiastic, energetic person who wants to be an engineer, we can teach you how to be an excellent one. 

 

The Junior Mechanical Engineer will be responsible for CAD work under the direction of the Lead Mechanical Engineer, who will be working on projects involving R&D and product design for mobile robotic platforms and manipulators. 

 

For AGVs, the design process typically involves taking an existing platform and altering it to meet our company's or clients' needs. This can be an existing in-house platform or a new platform from a vendor. 

 

A typical design process includes:
 

  • Integration of 3rd party electromechanical devices such as robotic manipulators, pan & tilt devices, cameras, sensors, motors, servos, linear actuators, batteries, charging stations, radios, and antennas.

  • Shell designs for aesthetics and mounting rails

  • Fitting electrical components together with protective enclosures inside the robot chassis and navigation stacks. 

  • Smart design of modular mounting systems and access panels, with a key focus on ease of maintenance.

  • Wiring of components, cable runs, connectors design, and selection

  • Weatherproofing of the entire system


 

In designing robotic manipulators, our approach begins with selecting servos and determining the joint configuration layout. Next, we design the brackets and linkages, considering aspects such as aesthetic appeal, assembly process efficiency, fabrication methods, cost-effectiveness, cable management, and overall functionality.

 

Skills Necessary

 

  • CAD Proficiency: Must be proficient in CAD software such as Fusion360, AutoCAD, Solidworks, or PTC Creo to create detailed 2D and 3D models. (We use Fusion360 and Solidworks)

  • Ability to conceptualize and discuss 3D parts for design and prototyping.

  • Basic knowledge of manufacturing processes and the pros and cons of each (3D printing, laser cut plastic & metals, CNC Machining, Sheet metal fabrication, molding)

  • Ability to work independently after being given a high-level task.

  • Strong desire to learn and improve skillset, an innate curiosity for all things new.

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Skills you will be working on

 

  • Design for Manufacturing (DFM): Understanding and applying principles that ensure designs are optimized for efficient manufacturing processes.

  • Design for Assembly (DFA): Creating designs that simplify and streamline assembly processes, reducing time and cost.

  • 3D Modeling: Proper constraint design and sketch methodology for cascading workflow.

  • Engineering Drawings: Generating accurate and detailed engineering drawings with proper annotations for production.

  • Prototyping: Rapid designing and iterating prototypes

  • Optimizing project workflows for maximized speed (IE, not wasting time doing things out of order and throwing away work)

  • Component sourcing & vendor selection.

  • Proper prototyping order of operations (Rough design through to aesthetics)

  • Tolerance Analysis: Performing basic tolerance analysis to ensure proper fit and function of parts.

  • Material Selection for Design: Selecting appropriate materials based on application, manufacturability, and cost.

  • Engineering Documentation: Create comprehensive engineering drawings and maintain thorough documentation of specifications and design processes.


Trossen Robotics is an industry leader in the field of research and educational robotics. We specialize in designing, developing, and integrating manipulators and UGVs. You may have even seen our platforms in your lab. We are proud to say that as a small company, our robotic kits are in use by every major university and research institution in the USA, along with Fortune 100 tech companies in a variety of industries.

 

We are located in the Chicago suburbs in Downers Grove. Candidates will need to have transportation.

Portfolios are required for this position. Any application without a linked portfolio will be rejected.

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