Junior Mechanical Engineer

What Are We Trying to Solve?

We’re building an open-source system to automate physical inventory—combining hardware and software to handle things like storage, retrieval, and real-time tracking.

• The Problem: Managing physical inventory is messy. Manual processes are slow, error-prone, and don’t scale well. It's hard to know what you have, where it is, or how much space it's taking up.
• What We’re Doing: We’re developing a small-scale AS/RS system that captures weight, dimensions, and location data every time something moves. We're designing it to be flexible and open so others can adapt, improve, and deploy it across all kinds of environments—not just warehouses with big budgets. The goal is accurate, real-time visibility into physical inventory, made as accessible as possible.

What you’ll be doing

• Assisting in the design, prototyping, and testing of mechanical components for robotic systems.
• Collaborating with teammates on hardware and software integration.
• Supporting the creation and maintenance of CAD models, technical drawings, and Bill of Materials (BOMs).
• Participating in hands-on testing, troubleshooting, and system improvements.
• Learning and applying new skills related to robotics, manufacturing, and mechanical design.
• Contributing to product development from concept to production under the guidance of senior engineers.

Requirements

• Familiarity with Onshape for mechanical design, or a willingness to learn.
• Basic understanding of mechanical design principles, including materials, tolerances, and manufacturing processes.
• Interest in industrial automation systems such as conveyor lines, palletizing lines, and inspection lines.
• Ability to create and interpret CAD models, technical drawings, and BOMs.
• Hands-on experience with mechanical prototyping tools such as 3D printers, laser cutters, or machine shop equipment is a plus.
• Willingness to take direction and learn from more senior engineers while contributing actively to the team’s success.
• Problem-solving mindset with a willingness to learn through iteration and feedback.

Practical details

• You’ll get a competitive salary, and you’ll get to own part of the company via stock options.
• We are based out of midtown Manhattan, and this is an on-site, in-person role. We believe that building the best product is the result of continuous collaboration and short feedback loops.
• Benefits
• Fully covered health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible PTO
• Team lunches, off-sites

Created at 2025-05-30 16:18:05

Updated at 2025-05-30 16:25:45

Location: Onsite (New York City, NY)

About OPENSHELF

We’re building an open-source system to automate physical inventory—combining hardware and software to handle things like storage, retrieval, and real-time tracking.

• The Problem: Managing physical inventory is messy. Manual processes are slow, error-prone, and don’t scale well. It's hard to know what you have, where it is, or how much space it's taking up.
• What We’re Doing: We’re developing a small-scale AS/RS system that captures weight, dimensions, and location data every time something moves. We're designing it to be flexible and open so others can adapt, improve, and deploy it across all kinds of environments—not just warehouses with big budgets. The goal is accurate, real-time visibility into physical inventory, made as accessible as possible.

More about this company: https://www.linkedin.com/company/open-shelf/Open positions:

• Openshelf - Jr. Mechanical Engineer
• Openshelf - Senior Mechanical Engineer
• OPENSHELF - Senior Embedded Systems Engineer (Robotics)