Mechanical Engineer - San Francisco

Plaud Inc. is building the world's most trusted AI work companion for professionals. The Mechanical Engineer will design and prototype mechanical architectures for AI wearable devices, collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure integrated prototype development. Responsibilities: Define interaction frameworks for next-generation AI hardware devices; Design multimodal interaction systems including buttons, gestures, LEDs, sensors, voice triggers, and other new generation device feedback; Prototype and validate interaction concepts with cross-functional teams; Work closely with product, industrial design, firmware, and hardware teams to integrate interaction design into functional prototypes; Establish interaction design principles and standards for Plaud hardware products; Translate product and industrial design concepts into mechanical architectures and functional prototypes for AI wearable devices; Design, build, and iterate mechanical prototypes to validate form factor, ergonomics, structural feasibility, and component integration; Collaborate closely with electrical hardware and firmware engineers to ensure integrated prototype development; Work with product, industrial design, and engineering teams to support rapid concept iteration and technical feasibility evaluation; Prepare validated prototype designs and documentation for smooth handoff to the engineering team for further development and mass production Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field; 5+ years of experience in mechanical design for consumer electronics, wearables, or smart hardware products; Strong experience in mechanical architecture design, materials selection, tolerance analysis, and product assembly for compact electronic devices; Proficiency in mechanical CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Creo (Pro/E), or NX; Familiarity with 3D prototyping tools and rapid prototyping processes (CNC, 3D printing); Hands-on experience developing functional prototypes and supporting early-stage product validation; Strong communication skills and ability to work in cross-functional and international teams; Fluent English Required Skills: Mechanical design, Mechanical architecture design, Materials selection, Tolerance analysis, Product assembly, Mechanical CAD tools, SolidWorks, Creo (Pro/E), NX, 3D prototyping, Rapid prototyping, CNC, 3D printing, Functional prototype development, Product validation, Cross-functional teamwork