Mechanical Engineer - Tooling Systems (EOAT) Design | Apprentice

As a Mechanical Engineer – Tooling Systems (EOAT) Design Apprentice at Origin (formerly 10xConstruction), you will design the “hands” and “tools” of our robots. You will be responsible for building a complete, modular tooling ecosystem—not just the End-of-Arm Tooling (EOAT), but also auxiliary hardware systems (pumps, vacuums, material hoppers, etc.) that dock with the robot to enable general-purpose construction tasks.

This is a high-ownership apprenticeship role where you will work hands-on in the lab and contribute directly to building real robotic tooling systems from scratch.

Key Responsibilities

Tooling System Design

• Lead mechanical design and adaptation (“hacking”) of off-the-shelf power tools (drywall sanders, spray guns, etc.) for robotic use.
• Architect mechanical integration of auxiliary systems (pumps, vacuums, material hoppers, etc.) that dock with the mobile base.
• Design custom mounts, actuators, mechanisms, and fixtures to unlock tool functionality.

Electromechanical Interface Design

• Design modular physical electromechanical interfaces for EOAT and auxiliary systems ensuring robust, repeatable connections.
• Design tool docking stations and manage manipulator cable/conduit routing.

User-Centric Design

• Own the physical UX of the tooling ecosystem so operators can easily service, exchange, and manage tools and modules.

Systems Engineering & Verification & Validation (V&V)

• Translate tool functional requirements into verifiable engineering requirements for payload, precision, reliability, and scalability.
• Develop and execute V&V protocols for tooling systems.
• Conduct DFMEA and risk analysis for tool attachments and interface designs.

Prototyping & Fabrication

• Lead rapid prototyping of tool attachments, docking systems, and interfaces in the hardware lab.
• Use 3D printing, laser cutting, and power tools to build and test concepts quickly.

Collaboration

• Work closely with the Embedded Tooling team to integrate electronics, sensors, and mechanical systems.
• Collaborate with the MoMa team to ensure tooling compatibility with the manipulator and mobile base.

Preferred Qualifications

• Design portfolio showcasing relevant projects.
• Experience/exposure to robotics, mechatronics, or the power tool industry.

Hiring Note

• This is an Apprentice position.
• We are looking for Immediate Joiners (or candidates with minimal notice period).

• Graduates only.
• Relevant work experience: >6 months.
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field.
• Strong proficiency in CAD tools (SolidWorks, etc.) and GD&T.
• Strong mechanism design fundamentals and mechatronics exposure.
• A “tinkerer” mind-set with passion for taking things apart and building new solutions.
• Exposure to integrating electronics into mechanical assemblies.
• Experience/exposure designing modular systems and docking mechanisms.
• Hands-on fabrication and prototyping skills.
• Familiarity with manufacturing processes and material selection.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Why Join Origin?

• Work in a fast-paced robotics start-up building real-world construction automation.
• Own end-to-end tooling development: design → build → test.
• Learn directly in a hands-on lab environment with high-impact work.
• Contribute to robotics systems that can transform the construction industry.