Three Hat Robotics is building robotic kitchens.
We're a hardware and software startup with pre-seed funding, now building an early pre-production demonstrator ahead of our first raise.
The machine you design will be the one we show investors and customers.The roleYou'll be the lead mechanical designer on a small, rapid team.
You'll own the mechanical design of the demonstrator from concept sketch through to manufacturing-ready drawings, working alongside our founding engineers (including a part-time mechanical engineer who will mentor and review your work, but who can't drive day-to-day design).
You'll go from concept to CAD to a part being cut, bent or printed in days rather than months.
There's no large team or process to hide behind: what you design gets built, tested and shown off, and you'll see it work (or break) and fix it fast.We're an AI-first team.
You'll use AI tools throughout your workflow, from exploring design options and generating CAD to researching and specifying components, checking calculations and drafting documentation.
The aim is to spend less time on repetitive work and more on engineering judgement, so you can move faster than a traditional design office.What you'll doDesign mechanical components, assemblies and enclosures for a robotic food-handling systemTake concepts from sketch to detailed design to production drawings, with design for manufacture in mindDesign sheet metal parts and weldments that can be made quickly and cost-effectivelySelect, specify and integrate power transmission and motion hardware (motors, gearboxes, couplings, belts, bearings, linear guides and similar)Work with the electronics and software team to integrate actuators, sensors and wiringLiaise with fabricators and suppliers,



and iterate fast on prototypesDocument your designs so others can build, maintain and reproduce themUse AI-assisted design tools across the workflow, including generative design, AI-assisted CAD, scripted and parametric modelling, and AI support for component selection and documentationHelp shape how the team applies AI to hardware design, trialling new tools and keeping what worksEssential skillsDegree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Industrial Design or a related fieldStrong mechanical design fundamentals and good engineering judgementFast, fluent 3D CAD.
Onshape is preferred.
SolidWorks is also of interest.
If you use something else, show us you pick up new tools quicklySolid knowledge of design for manufacture, including some or all of: sheet metal (bend rules, tolerances, fasteners, flat patterns), machining, weldingGood understanding of general industrial automation hardware, especially power transmission: motors, couplings, belts, gearboxes, bearings and linear motion components, including how to size and select themSelf-driven: comfortable with ambiguity, makes good decisions without being told what to do, and asks for help when neededClear communication, both written and visual, for a small team and for external suppliersComfortable using AI tools day to day,



with the engineering judgement to critically check their outputDesirable skillsKnowledge of automation electronics (servo and stepper drives, sensors, PLCs and motion controllers)Experience with robotics or machinery designKnowledge of food-safe design (hygienic design, stainless steels, cleanability)Experience with 3D printing, CNC and rapid prototypingBasic FEA or engineering analysisHands-on workshop skills, since you'll likely build and test what you designInterest in industrial design and ergonomicsExperience with AI-assisted or generative design tools, or automating CAD through scripting or APIs (e.g. Onshape FeatureScript, Fusion generative design, Python)What we're looking for in a personYou want to work on something ambitious and move quickly.
You care more about building something real and having an outsized impact than a corporate environment or a rigid structure.
You'd rather deliver a good solution this week than a perfect one next quarter.
You see AI as a way to multiply what you can do, not a shortcut around understanding the engineering.
Graduates and early-career engineers are very welcome, as are experienced engineers who want startup pace.What we offerFull-time role with salary to match and real growth opportunities as the company scalesOwnership of the mechanical design of a product from day oneWorking directly with the founders at the earliest, most formative stageThe ability to own the process and get your hands dirtyAccess to leading AI tools for design and engineeringFamily friendly working hours - Early finish, late starts are commonplaceAccess to our Employee Share Options PoolThis role is onsite in Newmarket, Brisbane - (Hybrid options available)
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📌 Lead Mechanical Design Engineer (Brisbane)
🏢 Three Hat Robotics
📍 Brisbane