Contract - Mechanical Engineer

Aescape is a New York–based technology company building the future of recovery. Through intelligent, precision bodywork, Aescape delivers personalized experiences that adapt to every body—turning recovery into a consistent, outcomes-driven practice so people can move better, recover faster, and feel their best every day.

By combining real-time body intelligence, advanced robotics, and proprietary software designed to improve with every session, Aescape transforms recovery from an occasional service into a scalable, measurable system—setting a new standard for modern wellness.

Aescape powers recovery across leading fitness, hospitality, and wellness environments and is backed by Valor Equity Partners, BroadLight Capital, and Mecha Ventures. For more information, visit www.aescape.com.

Aescape is are seeking an experienced Contract Mechanical Engineer to play a hands-on role in the design and execution of the next generation of our hardware platform. You will work closely with electrical engineering, robotics, manufacturing, and product leadership to translate system requirements into manufacturable, cost-effective, and elegant physical designs.

You will be embedded in a fast-moving hardware program, making real trade-offs, producing production-ready design outputs, and iterating directly with engineers and suppliers.

This role is onsite in our NY HQ

What You’ll Do 

As a Contract - Mechanical Engineer at Aescape you will:

• Own and execute mechanical engineering workstreams from kick off through production-intent designs.

• Translate system-level requirements (cost, reliability, serviceability, ergonomics, safety) into concrete design outputs.

• Partner tightly with electrical and robotics engineers to resolve constraints around structure, actuation, cabling, cooling, audible noise, access, and assembly.

• Drive design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA) decisions across enclosures, covers, interfaces, and subassemblies.

• Contribute to design optimization initiatives, including material selection, part consolidation, fastening strategies, and finish rationalization.

• Develop CAD models and production-ready geometry suitable for tooling and supplier handoff.

• Support prototype builds, control runs, and design validation by rapidly iterating based on test results.

• Contribute to DFMEA activities, ensuring critical failure modes are identified and mitigated through mitigating engineering requirements.

What You’ll Bring

• 7+ years of mechanical engineering experience with complex electromechanical or robotic products.

• Proven experience taking products from concept through production release.

• Strong CAD skills (e.g., SolidWorks or equivalent) including drawings using GD&T to ASME Y14.5-2018.

• Deep understanding of plastics, metals, soft goods, finishes, fastening methods, and tolerance stack-ups.

• Demonstrated experience making disciplined design trade-offs within defined cost and manufacturing constraints.

• Practical knowledge of manufacturing processes such as injection molding, CNC machining, sheet metal, die casting, and extrusion.

• Comfort working in close partnership with electrical engineering, quality and manufacturing teams, resolving trade-offs quickly and pragmatically.

• Ability to move fast, accept ambiguity, and make informed decisions with incomplete information.

• Experience working with overseas manufacturers and interpreting supplier feedback into design changes.

• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain design intent and trade-offs to cross-functional partners.

Nice to Have

• Experience with the design for soft good, foam, and fabric wrapping.
Experience with robotics, medical devices, fitness equipment, or other safety-critical hardware.

• Prior work on products with service, refurbishment, or field-maintenance requirements.

• Familiarity with regulatory, safety, or compliance considerations in physical products.

What’s In It For You 

• Join a trailblazing tech company anticipated to transform the massage industry.

• The chance to make a difference with a product that empowers healthier and happier living.

• Team culture driven by passion, ambition, empowerment, inclusion, curiosity, and fun!

• An environment that empowers individuals, emboldens teams, and rewards achievement.

• Contract length: 3–6 months (with potential extension based on program needs).

• Competitive contract rate $65 - $80/hour commensurate with experience.

• Opportunity to work on a category-defining physical AI product alongside a senior, experienced hardware team.

Begin Your Aescape Career Journey

At Aescape, we're on a mission to redefine self-care for a better world, and we're seeking trailblazers to join us on this journey. We're inspired by individuals who are passionate, driven, and eager to learn. We value diverse perspectives and resourceful, determined individuals who are committed to making a difference. At Aescape, we empower people to reach their full potential, just as our product empowers better living. If you're ready to innovate, create, and make a meaningful impact, we want you on our team.

YOUR JOURNEY. YOUR AESCAPE.