Founding Mechanical Engineer

Founding Mechanical Engineer

Location: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Experience: 3-6 years preferred
Company: DullWorks Automation

About the Role

This is an opportunity to take ownership of mechanical product development, from the initial concept and 3D CAD modelling to manufacturing, assembly and physical testing. We are not looking for someone who only creates CAD models or renders. We want an engineer who understands how real machines are designed, manufactured, assembled, tested and improved. You will work closely with the founding team to develop mechanical systems, robotic mechanisms and automation equipment.

Key Responsibilities

1. Mechanical Design and 3D Modelling

• Design detailed 3D parts, assemblies and mechanical systems using SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Creo or equivalent CAD software.
• Develop mechanisms, frames, brackets, mounts, shafts, enclosures and moving assemblies for robotic and automation equipment.
• Select suitable motors, gearboxes, bearings, linear guides, belts, pulleys, fasteners and other mechanical components.
• Design for strength, rigidity, maintainability, weight, cost and ease of assembly.

2. Manufacturing and Design for Assembly

• Convert CAD designs into production-ready 2D engineering drawings with appropriate dimensions, tolerances and fits.
• Prepare bills of materials (BOMs), assembly drawings and manufacturing documentation.
• Apply design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA) principles.
• Work with CNC machining, laser cutting, sheet-metal fabrication, welding, 3D printing and other manufacturing processes as appropriate.
• Coordinate with fabrication vendors to ensure components can be manufactured accurately and cost-effectively.

3. Prototyping and Physical Assembly

• Build and assemble functional mechanical prototypes.
• Perform fit checks, alignment checks, mechanical testing and troubleshooting.
• Identify interference, tolerance, vibration, stiffness and reliability issues.
• Iterate on designs based on real-world test results rather than relying solely on CAD simulations.

4. Robotics and Automation Development

• Develop mechanical systems for robotic vehicles, material handling, conveyors, automated machines and robotic end-effectors.
• Integrate mechanical assemblies with motors, actuators, sensors and electronics.
• Collaborate with the software and electronics team to ensure complete system integration.
• Help transform early concepts into reliable, manufacturable products.

5. Ownership and Collaboration

• Take responsibility for mechanical engineering tasks from concept to prototype validation.
• Maintain CAD files, drawings, BOMs, component specifications and revision histories.
• Research components and manufacturing methods to optimise cost and performance.
• Contribute ideas, challenge assumptions and help establish the startup's engineering processes.

Required Skills and Qualifications

• B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering, Product Design or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong proficiency in at least one parametric CAD tool such as SolidWorks, Fusion 360, Creo or Autodesk Inventor.
• Practical understanding of mechanical components, materials, fits, tolerances, fasteners and mechanisms.
• Experience preparing manufacturing drawings and BOMs.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and design for manufacturing and assembly.
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with physical prototypes, mechanical assemblies or manufactured products.
• Ability to identify practical engineering problems and develop cost-effective solutions.
• A strong sense of ownership, resourcefulness and willingness to work in a fast-moving startup environment.

Good to Have

• Experience in robotics, AGVs/AMRs, RGVs, warehouse automation, ASRS, conveyors or industrial automation.
• Experience designing robotic mechanisms, grippers, fixtures or automated material handling systems.
• Familiarity with motors, gearboxes, linear motion systems and drive mechanisms.
• Experience working directly with machine shops and fabrication vendors.
• Basic understanding of FEA, mechanical simulation and tolerance stack-up analysis.
• Experience taking a product from prototype to a repeatable manufacturing process.

Why Join Us?

• Early-team ownership: Contribute directly to the product and engineering decisions that shape the company.
• End-to-end product development: Work on real machines, not only CAD models or documentation.
• Direct founder collaboration: Have a voice in technical decisions, priorities and product direction.
• Meaningful responsibility: Build the mechanical engineering function and its design and manufacturing processes.
• Early-employee growth opportunity: Grow with the company as the product, team and business develop.

Compensation and Engagement Structure

We are an early-stage startup with limited cash resources. We cannot currently offer a conventional fixed monthly salary for this opportunity.

This position is intended for someone interested in a genuine founding-team, subject to an agreed and documented structure. Please note that, ESOP participation and other benefits are not implied unless specifically agreed in writing.

Any future cash compensation will depend on the company's funding, revenue and financial position. A future salary increase is not guaranteed unless formally agreed. Please review the current arrangement carefully before applying.

How to Apply

Please share your resume and, wherever possible, a portfolio of mechanical designs, CAD assemblies, manufacturing drawings or physical prototypes you have personally worked on. We are especially interested in candidates who can demonstrate the complete journey from 3D modelling to manufacturing, assembly and testing.

PS: Your ability to build a working machine matters more to us than how impressive a CAD rendering looks.