Mechatronics Engineer (Contract)

We’re Blue River, a team of innovators driven to create intelligent machinery that solves monumental problems for our customers. We empower our customers – farmers, construction crews, and foresters - to implement safer and more sustainable solutions, driving increased profitability with less reliance on scarce labor. We believe that focusing on the small stuff – pixel-by-pixel and task-by-task - leads to big gains. With our partners at John Deere, we have the ability to bring innovative computer vision, machine learning, robotics, and product management solutions to scale production, maximizing their potential impact.

Our people are at the heart of what we do. Through cross-disciplinary collaboration, this mission-driven and daring team is eager to define the new frontier of mobile robotics. We are always asking hard questions, rapidly iterating, and getting our boots in the field and on-site to figure it out. We won’t give up until we’ve made a tangible and positive impact on the planet. 

Blue River Technology is based in Santa Clara, CA.

Summary

We are seeking a temporary, in-person Mechatronics Engineer to join the Autonomy team at Blue River Technology for Summer 2025. This role will contribute to core engineering tasks that support the development of John Deere's autonomous tractor platform. Your work will provide valuable engineering support during a high-impact phase of the program.

This is a hands-on, entry-level engineering position based at our Santa Clara headquarters, ideally lasting 4 months. You’ll work closely with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, contributing to real-world development and support projects.

Job Responsibilities

The role will include work in the following areas: 

• CAD file cleanup and SolidWorks management
• Blender simulation and visualization tasks
• Bill of Materials (BOM) updates and organization
• Inventory application development and process tooling support
• General engineering support across mechatronics, software, and hardware tasks. 

Required Experience and Skills

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or a related field.
• Experience using SolidWorks or similar CAD software.
• Strong attention to detail and documentation practices.
• Comfortable working in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to work in-person at our Santa Clara, CA office. 

Preferred Experience and Skills

• Experience with Blender or similar 3D simulation/animation tools.
• Familiarity with Python, ROS, or scripting tools.
• Exposure to inventory systems or BOM workflows.
• Hands-on prototyping experience with mechanical or electrical systems. 

Blue River offers competitive compensation for temporary positions. This role is expected to pay $35–$40 per hour, depending on experience and duration (approximately 4 months). We believe in a healthy work-life balance and offer a collaborative and supportive environment. Our Santa Clara office features flexible work hours, subsidized lunches, and a team excited about solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology.

At Blue River, we’re passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity.  While we have more work to do to advance diversity and inclusion, we’re investing in our programs, including recruiting, mentorship, career development, and learning & development to ensure they support our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion goals. We support each employee in living a full life, enabling a thriving career, and accomplishing a meaningful, challenging mission while collaborating with incredible people. 

We are an equal-opportunity employer and do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request an accommodation.