Staff / Principal Drivetrain Mechanical Engineer

Aescape is seeking Staff / Principal Drivetrain Mechanical Engineer to join our supply chain team as an individual contributor (IC), focusing on designing cost-optimized drivetrains and other mechanical sub-systems. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer passionate about driving cost efficiency through design for manufacturability (DFM) and deep collaboration with engineering, operations and the supply-chain. The candidate will identify hidden cost drivers, optimize manufacturing processes, and deliver innovative solutions for a complex mechanical assembly integral to a robotic platform deployed in high-end hospitality settings.

This role is based out onsite in NYC or onsite in SF

Aescape is the NY-based lifestyle robotics company redefining self-care. 

Backed by $128MM in funding from investors like Valor Equity Partners (an early investor in Tesla and SpaceX), we launched the world’s first-to-market AI-powered robotic massage experience with Equinox in August 2024 and quickly went viral: WIRED, Fast Company, Popular Science, Sports Business Journal, Fortune, Vogue and Bloomberg are only some of the leading publications that have covered our technology, with celebs like Will Smith posting about us.

Since then, we’ve announced partnerships with global industry leaders across hospitality, pro sports, corporate wellness, and luxury real estate — with more on the horizon as we supercharge growth. 

What You’ll Do 

As a Staff/Principal Drivetrain Mechanical Engineer, you'll be a key player in optimizing our robotic systems for cost and performance. Your responsibilities will include:

• Improve existing Drivetrain and mechanical systems, focusing on cost-effective manufacturing processes and supply chain alignment.

• Identify and reduce hidden costs in design, materials, and manufacturing through strategic changes and design simplification.

• Work closely with supply chain teams and suppliers to refine designs for manufacturability and participate in supplier selection.

• Lead the development and testing of prototypes to validate cost, functionality, and manufacturability.

• Create and optimize tooling/fixtures to support production efficiently and cost-effectively.

• Analyze and improve assembly processes for cost and quality.

• Produce detailed technical documentation (CAD, BOMs, cost reports) for production transfer.

• Research and own the Drivetrain technology roadmap for future cost and performance improvements.
  

What You’ll Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (Master's preferred) with 10+ years of mechanical engineering experience, including at least 5 years focused on cost-effective Drivetrain or complex motorized-mechanical assemblies.

• Proven ability to identify and mitigate manufacturing costs, with a history of successful cost-down initiatives.

• Expertise in SolidWorks.

• Deep knowledge of various manufacturing processes (sheet-metal, welding, casting, CNC machining, injection molding, assembly).

• Proficiency in cost estimation tools (e.g., should-cost modeling).

• Strong collaboration and communication skills for engaging with supply chain teams and suppliers.

• Excellent analytical problem-solving skills and confidence in taking calculated design risks.

• Knowledge of global supply chain dynamics, experience and