Advisory Mechanical / Hardware Engineer

Ricoh USA — Boulder R&D

About the Role

Join a focused R&D team in Boulder as a versatile hardware engineer contributing to innovative programs across inkjet technology, robotics, machine vision, and renewable energy. You will drive mechanical and electromechanical design from initial proof-of-concept through to production hardware. Your work will be central to advancing next-generation solar cell manufacturing, developing a UR-based collaborative palletizing system targeting CE marking, and expanding continuous-feed inkjet inspection platforms.

When the mechanical workload allows, you'll also contribute to software development using Python and C++ for robotics, image processing, and high-throughput image processing pipelines. A strong comfort level with agentic AI tooling like Claude Code is a significant advantage.

What You'll Do

• Contribute to the end-to-end mechanical and electromechanical design process: from idea conception through proof-of-concept, design validation testing (DVT), and production hardware.
• Design end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), base frames, and electrical/pneumatic systems for robotics and automation projects.
• Develop industrial control panels, cable harnesses, and enclosures, including component selection, circuit design, panel layout, routing, and grounding.
• Scope and deliver bespoke automation builds, taking ownership of unique rigs and process automation from ambiguous briefs to functional hardware.
• Construct robust optical/imaging fixtures for inline inspection systems, encompassing lighting, motion, and alignment.
• Generate manufacturing-ready documentation, including 3D CAD models, electrical schematics, Bills of Materials (BOMs), assembly/work instructions, and test protocols.
• Collaborate with software and controls teams on system integration, including motion/vision triggers, sensor interfaces, and PLC/robot controller communications.
• Participate in safety and certification efforts, such as risk assessment, Performance Level analysis, CE marking, EMC/LVD/RoHS compliance, and US NRTL pathways.
• Apply hardware-adjacent applied software skills when mechanical workload is light.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related field; Master's degree is a plus.
• Proven track record of contributing significantly to the delivery of multiple complex electromechanical products from proof-of-concept through production.
• Proficiency in 3D CAD software (e.g., NX, Solidworks) and electrical schematic tools (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
• Experience in sheet metal and machined part design, including Design for Manufacturing (DFM) principles for bending, machining, and assembly; familiarity with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T); and direct experience working with fabrication shops.
• Hands-on experience with EOAT/gripper design, pneumatics, motion systems, sensors, and control cabinet design and wiring.
• Proficiency in Python or C++ for embedded/robotic systems, and familiarity with Linux.
• Experience with machine vision/imaging hardware integration, including cameras, lighting, lensing, and calibration.
• Strong systems thinking capabilities and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, multi-project R&D environment.

Highly Desired Qualifications

• Robotics software experience, including ROS 2 (MoveIt 2, ROS 2 Control, TF2) and Universal Robots (UR) programming (URCaps, safety configuration, controller integration).
• Experience with bespoke/one-off automation builds and integrator-style projects.
• Product certification experience, including CE/UKCA, UL/CSA/NRTL, EMC pre-compliance, and EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230.
• Advanced vision and compute skills, such as stereo/RGB-D vision, high-throughput image processing pipelines, and GPU acceleration.
• Experience with contract manufacturing transfers, including documentation packages and production handoffs.
• Experience in precision equipment industries like inkjet, semiconductor, thin-film, or web/roll-to-roll manufacturing.
• Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies.

Mindset

• Comfortable navigating loosely defined problems and delivering functional hardware without fully specified requirements.
• Adaptable to shifting priorities and able to focus across multiple programs.
• Effective working independently and collaboratively within a small team.
• Open to and willing to explore emerging AI-assisted engineering workflows.

Prior experience in the printing domain is not required; you will receive training on this aspect. Your core strength should be in systems integration and hardware delivery.

Working Conditions, Mental and Physical Demands

• Ability to manage job-related stressors and demands to maintain acceptable performance levels.
• Work in environments adhering to state and federal regulatory standards or nationally accepted guidelines, which may involve exposure to dust, fumes, and physical/chemical agents.
• Adaptability and flexibility in the work environment, including potential out-of-town travel, overtime as needed, concurrent task handling, and adapting to new assignments, systems, and tools.
• Excellent written communication skills for conveying ideas clearly and concisely.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, management, and customers.
• Capacity to learn and apply new equipment and tools within a reasonable timeframe.
• Accountability for assignments and commitment to meeting deadlines.