Senior Mechanical Engineer - Robotics & Automation

About Silana

Silana is building the world's first fully automated robotic sewing systems - machines that produce garments start-to-finish with industrial precision. Our work combines robotics, automation, and textile engineering to redefine how apparel is made.

We're based in Midtown Manhattan and operate at the intersection of mechanical engineering, robotics, and advanced manufacturing. We move fast, iterate constantly, and develop real machines that will run in production.

What You'll Be Doing

• Design, prototype, and validate complex mechanical assemblies for robotic manufacturing systems.
• Own the full mechanical design cycle - from concept sketches to production-ready CAD, drawings, and BOMs.
• Collaborate across disciplines (controls, robotics, and vision) to ensure mechanical, electrical, and software systems integrate seamlessly.
• Drive design-for-assembly (DFA) and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) principles across the product line to reduce build time, improve reliability, and enable scaling.
• Oversee prototype builds and assembly, translating design intent into physical hardware with precision and clarity.
• Participating in the full product development cycle from concept through production.

Who You Are

• You're a hands-on designer who thrives on turning concepts into real, robust machines.
• You care deeply about fit, finish, and functional precision, not just “making it work.”
• You understand the interplay between design intent, assembly workflow, and production yield.
• You enjoy working on fast-moving projects where iteration speed matters.
• You're direct, collaborative, and have a high bar for yourself and others.

Requirements

• 7+ years of professional mechanical design experience in robotics, automation, or precision machinery.
• Proven track record of shipping actual automation or robotic machinery
• Expert in SolidWorks with a strong understanding of assemblies, configurations, and drawing control.
• Proven experience taking designs from concept → prototype → production.
• Deep knowledge of mechanical design principles, including GD&T, tolerancing, materials, and manufacturing processes (machining, sheet metal, plastics, composites).
• Strong background in DFM/DFA and building systems that are easy to assemble, maintain, and service.
• Hands-on experience with 3D printing, CNC machining, and basic shop equipment.
• Experience collaborating with suppliers, contract manufacturers, and machine shops.
• Familiarity with robotics, motion control, or automation systems (conveyors, fixtures, precision alignment mechanisms) is a major plus.

Nice to Have

• Experience designing high-precision, multi-actuator systems or automated cells.
• Familiarity with ROS-based robotic systems or mechatronic integration.
• Experience with PDM systems, tolerance stack analysis, or GD&T certification.

Practical Details

• Location: Midtown Manhattan, New York — on-site only.
• Compensation: Competitive salary + equity.

Why Silana

This is not a “desk CAD” role. You'll work where hardware is built - surrounded by robots, motion systems, and real-time testing.
If you want to own full mechanical systems, push the limits of design for automation, and see your work ship into production - this is the place.