Robotics Actuator Design Engineer

Helsing is a defence AI company. Our mission is to protect our democracies.

As a Robotics Actuator Design Engineer based in Barcelona, you will be responsible for driving the mechanical architecture, design, and development of next-generation robotic systems.

The Day-to-Day

• Lead the detailed design and integration of complex robotic subsystems, including high-precision actuators, structural chassis, and dynamic motion systems.
• Drive cross-functional integration with electrical and software teams to ensure seamless packaging, cable routing, and thermal and sensor integration.
• Define material selection strategies and fabrication methods, conducting FEA, stress analysis, and tolerance stack-up analysis to ensure designs meet rigorous functional, cost, yield, and lead-time requirements.
• Establish and advocate for mechanical engineering best practices, including modelling standards, GD&T drawing controls, and technical documentation.
• Critically evaluate system architectures in design reviews, identifying risks and delivering high-impact solutions that optimise performance and manufacturability.

You Should Apply If

• You have shipped complex robotic, mechatronic, or automated systems to market, with a verifiable track record of ownership across the full product development cycle.
• You bring expert-level proficiency in 3D CAD modelling, ideally SolidWorks, combined with deep knowledge of GD&T for precision manufacturing environments.
• You have applied structural and thermal FEA, static simulations, and tolerance stack-up analysis to solve real engineering problems in production-grade systems.
• You have worked extensively across diverse manufacturing processes, including CNC machining, injection moulding, sheet metal fabrication, and additive manufacturing.
• You communicate complex technical decisions with clarity to cross-functional stakeholders.

Nice to Have

• Experience architecting high-performance, high-power-density actuators and advanced mechatronic systems for legged robotics platforms.
• Background working in agile, small-scale mechanical design teams, with direct experience taking full technical ownership from early concept through to serial production.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and VSOP options
• Relocation support: up to €2,500 and 4 weeks temporary accommodation
• Learning: €500/£450 yearly allowance
• Health & wellness: gym membership and mental health support (Nilo.health)
• Social: regular company events and monthly social allowances
• Enhanced parental leave: 22 weeks fully paid for primary caregivers & 6 weeks for secondary caregivers
• Family support: 5 days of paid family emergency leave, 100% remote work option during pregnancy and phased return to work