About this role.
This Advisory Engineer, Hardware HPSC role at Ricoh USA's Boulder R&D team involves versatile mechanical/hardware engineering across inkjet, robotics, machine vision, and renewable energy programs. The engineer will handle end-to-end electromechanical design from concept through production, including EOAT, control panels, and optical fixtures. When mechanical workload is light, the role flexes into software using Python and C++. The position requires systems thinking, comfort with agentic AI tooling, and thrives in a fast-moving, multi-project R&D environment. Desired expertise includes ROS 2, product certification, and contract manufacturing transfer.
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Cover letter sample
Dear Hiring Manager,
I am excited to apply for the Advisory Engineer, Hardware HPSC position at Ricoh USA's Boulder R&D team. With a strong background in electromechanical design and a proven track record of delivering complex products from concept through production, I am confident that I can contribute to your innovative projects in inkjet, robotics, and renewable energy. My expertise in 3D CAD, pneumatic systems, and machine vision, combined with proficiency in Python and C++, aligns perfectly with the versatile demands of this role.
I thrive in fast-paced, multi-project environments and am comfortable taking ownership of ambiguous problems to ship working hardware. My experience with product certification and contract manufacturing transfer will support your path to CE marking and production. I look forward to the opportunity to bring my systems thinking and collaborative mindset to your team.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Sample interview questions
I led the development of a robotic palletizing system from POC to production. Key challenges included integrating vision-guided motion and ensuring CE certification. I resolved issues by iterative prototyping, collaborating closely with software and controls, and conducting risk assessments to meet safety standards.
I start by understanding the production volume and tolerances required. For sheet metal, I design with bend radii and material thickness in mind, and for machined parts, I minimize complex features to reduce cost. I work directly with fab shops to refine designs and ensure they can be consistently produced.
I have used ROS 2 with MoveIt 2 and ROS 2 Control for a collaborative robot arm. I set up TF2 for coordinate transforms and integrated safety controllers. This allowed precise motion planning and real-time sensor feedback for palletizing tasks.
I prioritize based on program milestones and impact. I maintain clear documentation for each project so I can switch context efficiently. I also communicate regularly with stakeholders to align on changing needs and adjust my focus accordingly.
I led the CE certification for a machine vision inspection system. I performed risk assessment per ISO 12100, conducted EMC pre-compliance testing, and compiled the technical file. I worked with a notified body to address gaps and successfully achieved CE marking within the project timeline.
Advisory Mechanical / Hardware Engineer Ricoh USA — Boulder R&D
About the Role
Versatile hardware engineer for a small Boulder R&D team working across inkjet, robotics, machine vision, and renewable energy programs. You’ll contribute to mechanical and electromechanical design from benchtop proof-of-concept through production hardware, including:
- A renewable energy program advancing next-generation solar cell manufacturing
- A UR-based collaborative palletizing system on a path to CE marking and contract manufacturing
- Continuous-feed inkjet inspection platforms and their expansion across our automation product roadmap
When mechanical workload ebbs, you’ll flex into software: Python and C++ for robotics, image processing, and high-throughput image processing pipelines. We’re all-in on Claude Code for software and hardware work — comfort with agentic AI tooling is a real differentiator.
What You’ll Do
- Contribute to mechanical/electromechanical design end-to-end: idea → concept → POC → DVT → production hardware
- Design EOAT, base frames, electrical and pneumatic systems for robotics and automation
- Design industrial control panels, cable harnesses, and enclosures — component selection, circuit design, panel layout, routing, and grounding
- Scope and ship one-off / bespoke automation builds — purpose-built rigs and process automation where you own the design from ambiguous brief to working hardware
- Build robust optical/imaging fixtures (lighting, motion, alignment) for inline inspection systems
- Generate manufacturing-ready documentation: 3D CAD, electrical schematics, BOMs, assembly/work instructions, test protocols
- Partner with software/controls on integration: motion/vision triggers, sensor interfaces, PLC and robot controller communications
- Contribute to safety and certification work: risk assessment, Performance Level analysis, CE marking, EMC/LVD/RoHS, and US NRTL paths where applicable
- Flex into hardware-adjacent applied software when HW workload is light
Required Qualifications
- BS in Mechanical Engineering or closely related field; MS a plus
- Demonstrated track record of delivering multiple complex electromechanical products from POC through production — as a key contributor, not a peripheral one
- Proficiency in 3D CAD (NX, Solidworks, or equivalent) and electrical schematic tools (AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN, or equivalent)
- Sheet metal and machined part design experience — DFM for bending, machining, and assembly; GD&T; experience working directly with fab shops
- Hands-on with EOAT/gripper design, pneumatics, motion systems, sensors, and control-cabinet design and wiring
- Python or C++ for embedded/robotic systems; Linux proficiency
- Experience with machine vision / imaging hardware integration (cameras, lighting, lensing, calibration)
- Strong systems thinking; thrives in a fast-moving, multi-project R&D environment
Highly Desired
- Robotics software: ROS 2 (MoveIt 2, ROS 2 Control, TF2), UR programming (URCaps, safety configuration, controller integration)
- Bespoke / one-off automation experience — integrator-style builds, purpose-built machines for a single customer or process (vs. high-volume catalog products)
- Product certification: CE/UKCA, UL/CSA/NRTL, EMC pre-compliance; EU Machinery Regulation 2023/1230
- Advanced vision & compute: Stereo/RGB-D (6DoF pose, object detection), high-throughput image processing pipelines, GPU acceleration
- Contract-manufacturing transfer: documentation packages, quality systems, production handoff
- Precision equipment industry: inkjet, semiconductor, thin-film, or web/roll-to-roll manufacturing environments
- Agile / Scrum: sprint planning, backlog grooming, iterative delivery
Mindset
- Comfortable navigating loosely-defined problems and shipping working hardware without a fully spec’d brief
- Embraces shifting priorities — focus moves between programs as priorities shift
- Equally strong working independently and as part of a small team
- Comfortable with AI coding tools and willing to explore emerging AI-assisted engineering workflows
You don’t need prior printing domain experience — we’ll ramp you on that. Your strength is in systems integration and hardware delivery.
Working Conditions, Mental and Physical Demands
- Cope with stressors and demands that are associated with the job and/or the work environment so that acceptable and defined levels of performance and overall contribution are maintained. (While all jobs involve dealing with stressors, the particular stressors may vary job to job).
- Work in areas which adhere to state and federal regulatory standards, or where no such standards exist, to nationally accepted guidelines; i.e., dust, fumes, physical and chemical agents.
- Adaptable and flexible to work environment including, but not limited to, out of town travel as required to meet business commitments and working overtime, as business needs may require, handling multiple tasks concurrently, and easily adapting to new assignments, systems, tools; produce clear, concise, accurate written communication, clearly conveying thoughts and ideas to peers, management, and customers; establish and maintain positive work relationships with peers, management, and customers, displaying willingness to understand diverse points of view; learn and apply new equipment and tools within an acceptable timeframe; and assume ownership of assignments, completing commitments on time. (While all of these continuing responsibilities apply to all jobs in the company, the specific ways in which they apply may vary job to job).
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job.
Come Create at Ricoh:
If you are seeking a team driven by passion and purpose, come create with us at Ricoh. We are a team of information seekers and customer-obsessed collaborators who aspire to deliver the services, solutions, and technologies that empower business success. We are looking for talented, inspired individuals to join us to help drive high-performance team and our commitment to excellence.
Ricoh is an integrated solutions provider and partner that connects people and technology, creates outstanding customer experiences, and delivers innovation for businesses worldwide. We empower digital workplaces by enabling individuals to work smarter from any location and harness the power of information—how it is collected, stored, managed, and shared—to unlock the potential in every organization. We deliver services and technologies that inspire our customers’ success and guide them toward a better and more sustainable future. If you are seeking a purpose-driven and passionate team, come create with us, and help drive our high-performance culture of excellence into tomorrow.
Invest in Yourself:
At Ricoh, you can:
- Choose from a broad selection of medical, dental, life, and disability insurance options.
- Contribute to your financial security with Retirement Savings Plan (401K), Health Savings Account (HSA), and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) investments.
- Augment your education with team member tuition assistance programs.
- Enjoy paid vacation time and paid holidays annually
- Tap into many other benefits to enhance your health, wellness, and ongoing personal and professional development.
Annual salary information is not provided for this position. Explore salary ranges for similar roles in our Salary Directory ›
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