Validation Engineer – Mechanical Systems

Figure is an AI robotics company developing autonomous general-purpose humanoid robots. The goal of the company is to ship humanoid robots with human level intelligence. Its robots are engineered to perform a variety of tasks in the home and commercial markets. Figure is based in San Jose, CA and require 5 days/week in-office collaboration.

We are seeking a Validation Engineer to lead the design validation and build verification of mechanical systems across Figure’s humanoid platform. This role focuses on ensuring that mechanical assemblies meet strength, fit, and functional requirements from prototype through production. You will work closely with design, reliability, and integration teams to validate part and assembly performance, resolve design and build issues, and ensure every subsystem meets Figure’s durability and reliability standards.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute mechanical validation for new and existing robot designs, covering structural, fit-up, tolerance, and strength testing.

• Design and build test fixtures and rigs to simulate static, dynamic, and real-world loading and failure conditions.

• Analyze test data, perform root-cause investigations, and drive corrective actions with design and manufacturing teams.

• Inspect and validate first-article builds, verifying alignment, torque, fastener preload, and tolerance stack-ups across assemblies.

• Document validation results and partner with reliability engineering to link design validation outcomes to field performance.

Requirements:

• 4+ years of experience in mechanical validation or testing for robotics, automotive, or complex electromechanical systems

• Strong understanding of mechanical design principles, material properties, load paths, and failure analysis

• Hands-on experience designing and executing strain, vibration, and fatigue tests, and developing validation fixtures or rigs

• Proficiency with CAD and GD&T (ASME Y14.5), with ability to correlate FEA or simulation results to physical test data

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes, tolerance control, and first-article inspection

• Excellent collaboration, communication, and documentation skills; Bachelor’s or Master’s in Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Robotics Engineering

Bonus Qualifications:

• Experience designing or validating structural components for humanoid or mobile robotic systems.

• Familiarity with CATIA V6, finite element analysis, and mechanical test automation tools.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is between $150,000 and $250,000 annually.

The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.