Mechanical Engineer - San Francisco

About Plaud Inc. Plaud is building the world's most trusted AI work companion for professionals to elevate productivity and performance through note-taking solutions, loved by over 1,500,000 users worldwide since 2023. With a mission to amplify human intelligence, Plaud is building the next-generation intelligence infrastructure and interfaces to capture, extract, and utilize what you say, hear, see, and think.

Plaud Inc. is a Delaware-incorporated, San Francisco-based company pushing the boundary of human–AI intelligence through a hardware–software combination. With SOC 2, HIPAA, GDPR, ISO27001, ISO27701, and EN18031 compliance, Plaud is committed to the highest standards of data security and privacy protection. To learn more about Plaud, please visit https://www.

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Join Us

Plaud is building the next generation intelligence infrastructure and interfaces to capture, extract, and utilize intelligence from what people say, hear, see, and think. Define interaction frameworks for next-generation AI hardware devices. Design multimodal interaction systems including buttons, gestures, LEDs, sensors, voice triggers, and other new generation device feedback.

Prototype and validate interaction concepts with cross-functional teams. Work closely with product, industrial design, firmware, and hardware teams to integrate interaction design into functional prototypes. Establish interaction design principles and standards for Plaud hardware products.

What You Will Do

• Translate product and industrial design concepts into mechanical architectures and functional prototypes for AI wearable devices.
• Design, build, and iterate mechanical prototypes to validate form factor, ergonomics, structural feasibility, and component integration.
• Collaborate closely with electrical hardware and firmware engineers to ensure integrated prototype development.
• Work with product, industrial design, and engineering teams to support rapid concept iteration and technical feasibility evaluation.
• Prepare validated prototype designs and documentation for smooth handoff to the engineering team for further development and mass production.
• Skills, Qualifications and Experience We Look for Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field, with 5+ years of experience in mechanical design for consumer electronics, wearables, or smart hardware products.
• Strong experience in mechanical architecture design, materials selection, tolerance analysis, and product assembly for compact electronic devices.
• Proficiency in mechanical CAD tools such as Solid
• Works, Creo (Pro/E), or NX, and familiarity with 3D prototyping tools and rapid prototyping processes (CNC, 3D printing). Hands-on experience developing functional prototypes and supporting early-stage product validation, including close collaboration with electrical and firmware teams.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work in cross-functional and international teams, with fluent English preferred.

What We Offer Founding Team

Opportunity to join the founding team of this new initiative, with meaningful ownership and impact on a fast-growing startup. Competitive

Compensation

$135K-$185K base salary+performance bonus+Equity. Comprehensive

Benefits

Top-tier healthcare for employees and dependents, including dental and vision, and a generous employer subsidy. Retirement Planning: 401(k) plan for full time employees with company matching. Paid Time Off: Unlimited PTO, plus 13 paid holidays. New Parent Leave: 12 weeks of paid time off to spend time with your new family, regardless of gender. Hybrid Office: Minimum of 3x in office per week.

Gear: New hires are equipped with their choice of new top-of-the-line laptops and workstation setups.

Perks

Best office equipment. Annual offsites. Free office drinks and snacks. Plaud is and will continue to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.