Founding Mechatronics & Power Engineer (M/F)
"The Body of the Rover"
Location: Perpignan (France)
Contract type: Permanent contract (Junior Premium Profile / Recent Graduate)
Salary: €45k - €50k + Equity (BSPCE)
Availability: Last quarter of 2026
About RoverXplorer: The Architect of Critical Mobility
RoverXplorer is a Dual-Use Deep Tech startup that is redefining autonomous mobility for the most hostile environments in the universe. Our belief is simple: technologies designed to survive on the Moon or Mars are the only ones capable of guaranteeing the absolute reliability required for defense logistics on Earth.
Thanks to our “Validate/Specialize/Scale” strategy, we are developing a unified modular platform capable of withstanding the impossible: radiation, thermal vacuum, cryogenics, and intense interference. Our first major milestone is the R-One, a technology demonstrator weighing less than 30 kg designed to validate Level 3 autonomy.
At our company, you don't just work on a simple component. You build the physical envelope and energy of a resilient explorer, destined to operate where failure is not an option.
Your Mission: Physical Integrity and Energy Resilience
Reporting directly to the CTO, you will be responsible for the rover's physical architecture and energy survival. Your challenge will be to design a mechanical and electrical system capable of withstanding extreme temperature variations and violent mechanical shocks, while remaining below the critical weight limit of 30 kg.
Your key responsibilities:
Mechanical Design & Chassis: Design and model the R-One structure in SolidWorks, optimizing mass through topological optimization to meet launch and off-road mobility constraints.
Propulsion System & Ground Connection: Select and integrate BLDC motors, gearboxes, and suspensions to ensure obstacle clearance (> 15 cm) in hostile environments (regolith dust or sand).
Power Management (EPS): Size the batteries, design the distribution system (PDU), and integrate solar panels to ensure continuous operation with an ultra-tight power budget (< 30W).
Thermal Engineering: Perform simulations to ensure the survival of critical components in the face of space vacuum or extreme terrestrial environments.
Prototyping & Testing: Manufacture, assemble, and test sub-assemblies (3D printing, machining, wiring) to validate the robustness of the R-One during test campaigns.
The profile we are looking for
We are looking for a versatile engineer, a jack-of-all-trades in engineering, capable of transforming a CAD sketch into a functional and robust prototype.
Education: Top-ranked engineering school (ESTACA Space program, Arts et Métiers, INSA, UTBM, or equivalent).
Technical expertise: * Proficiency in SolidWorks or CATIA and mechanical/thermal simulation tools.
Strong skills in electrical engineering (choice of BMS, DC/DC converters, space/military cabling).
Practical manufacturing experience (machining, 3D printing, mechanical assembly).
Hands-on culture: You have a background in construction: robotics competitions (Eurobot), space association projects, or complex personal projects (electric vehicles, drones).
Mindset: Obsession with mass reduction, rigorous design, and passion for NewSpace and defense technologies.
Why join us?
The Dual-Use Adventure: Your design will be the physical structure that carries our instruments to the Moon and protects operations on Earth.
Immediate Impact: You manage the entire cycle, from CAD to final assembly of the rover. Every gram saved is a victory.
Culture of Excellence: An agile team where mechanical ingenuity serves a critical mission.
Founder Package: A competitive salary and equity (BSPCE) to recognize your role as a technical pillar.
A word about the region
Working on our rovers in Perpignan means combining cutting-edge technological requirements with an exceptional living environment. Here, we are designing the future of mobile robotics with 300 days of sunshine a year, between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains. Choosing Perpignan means enjoying the quality of life of the South while remaining connected to one of the world's largest technological ecosystems: Toulouse, the European capital of space and aeronautics, is only a 2-hour drive away. You will be working in a vibrant and authentic innovation hub, while remaining in close proximity to research centers and space experts. This is a rare opportunity to build exceptional robots where others come to spend their vacations.
Ready to take the helm?
We don't want a formal cover letter. Show us your passion:
Send us your resume.
Attach a portfolio of your work (photos of your robots, CAD drawings, etc.).
Bonus: What is the most complex mechanical part you have ever made and how did you deal with its failure?
Submit your application here: recrutement@roverxplorer.com