Apprentice - Mechanical Mobile Manipulator Design (MoMa)

About Origin

Origin (previously 10xConstruction) is building general-purpose autonomous robots for US construction to tackle rising costs, safety risks, and labor shortages. Our modular, multi-trade platform combines purpose-built hardware with real-time site intelligence to navigate complex environments and execute tasks with precision. Trained in high-fidelity simulation and already deployed on live sites, our robots deliver 5x faster execution, 250%+ margin expansion, and significant cost savings. Join India’s most talent-dense robotics team consisting of individuals from IITs, Stanford, UCLA, etc.

About the role -

The Apprentice Mechanical Engineer role is for high-potential, early-career mechanical engineers who want to build real robots, not just look at them on a screen. You will own specific, manageable modules of the robot under the mentorship of Senior Engineers. You will spend a significant portion of your time in the lab, turning wrenches, fabricating brackets, and running physical tests on the hardware you designed.

Key Responsibilities

Module Design & Drafting:

• Take ownership of designing specific sub-assemblies (e.g., a battery mounting tray, a specific sensor shroud, or internal structural ribbing) in Onshape or equivalent CAD tools.
• Assist in generating precise 2D manufacturing drawings and maintaining the BOM (Bill of Materials).
• Work with the controls team to extract mass, inertia, and center of gravity data from CAD to update the robot's URDF files.

Fabrication & Assembly:

• Heavily utilize 3D printing (FDM, SLA) to create rapid form-and-fit prototypes.
• Assemble the robot drivetrains, manipulator joints, and chassis, torquing bolts to spec and documenting assembly procedures.
• Fabricate custom brackets and test fixtures on the fly using basic shop tools (drill press, bandsaw, hand tools).

Testing & V&V Support:

• Assist in setting up and executing physical load tests, measuring deflection with dial indicators, and logging the data.
• Participate in field testing, observing the mechanical systems under real-world construction loads and diagnosing physical failures.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• 0-2 years of experience (a strong portfolio of physical engineering projects—like FSAE, Baja, Robocon, or complex personal builds—is mandatory).
• Solid foundation in 3D CAD (Onshape or equivalent preferred).
• Strong grasp of classical mechanics, statics, and dynamics.
• "Wrench-turning" capability: you must be highly comfortable using hand and power tools to assemble heavy machinery.

Preferred Experiences

• Projects in Robotics - AMRs, Robotics Arms, Quadrapeds, Humanoids, Drones etc. 

For apprentice/Intern :
This is a six-month contract-to-hire position, with potential for longer-term opportunities depending on your contributions and interests. We’re excited to work with motivated individuals who are eager to support real-world robot development and grow alongside us.

• Gain experience in a dynamic startup environment at the forefront of robotics and AI innovation.
• Contribute to the development of technology that will revolutionize the construction industry.
• Work alongside a talented and passionate team committed to making a real-world impact.
• Learn from experienced professionals and gain valuable skills in robotics software engineering.
• Gain practical experience in a real-world engineering environment.
• Contribute to a project with the potential to make a significant impact on the construction industry.