Mechanical Engineer - R&D (Foldable Buildings)

At MBT R&D, we're reimagining how people build. Our mission is to create Modular Building Technology (MBT) that empowers individuals and communities by making construction intuitive, fast, reliable, and scalable. We believe in building something so advanced yet simple that it transforms space into an inspiring extension of human imagination.

We’re a small, intense, collaborative, and relentlessly ambitious team—focused on making the future of construction a reality. If you thrive in pushing boundaries, embracing technical challenges, and bringing scientific ideas into real-world applications, this is where you belong.

We are looking for a high‑agency Mechanical Engineer to drive the research and development of our next‑generation foldable cabin and snap‑on steel connection system. This is not just another design role—you’ll be inventing, testing, iterating, and scaling a system that we aim to be the best foldable cabin in the world.

This role demands someone who is hands‑on, scrappy, and relentless about solving problems. You won’t just analyze systems—you’ll own them, from concept sketch to field‑ready prototype to manufacturing optimization.

• Research & Concept Development
• Explore new concepts in foldable structures, modular systems, and snap‑fit connection mechanisms.
• Study scientific principles in material science, structural mechanics, and applied physics to inform design.
• Design & Simulation
• Develop models and prototypes using SolidWorks, ANSYS simulation, and AutoCAD.
• Run stress, fatigue, kinematics, and motion analysis simulations for foldable structures and steel connections.
• Optimize for structural safety, ease of assembly, durability, and lower manufacturing complexity.
• Prototyping & Testing
• Build and test working prototypes of foldable cabins and modular joints.
• Work hands‑on with workshop teams to troubleshoot, refine, and validate designs.
• Manufacturing Research & Process Innovation
• Evaluate and advance manufacturing techniques (precision steel fabrication, modular assembly, folding systems).
• Research ways to scale up production while maintaining precision and safety.
• Collaboration & High-Agency Execution
• Drive your own research tracks with minimal supervision—propose ideas, test them, and ship results.
• Collaborate with cross‑disciplinary experts—structural engineers, architects, materials scientists, and product designers.
• Communicate findings clearly to stakeholders and incorporate feedback rapidly.

• Education & Background:
• Bachelor’s/Master’s in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• Strong foundation in structural mechanics, kinematics, and materials science.
• Technical Skills:
• CAD & Simulation: SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ANSYS (structural, thermal, motion).
• Manufacturing Research: Knowledge of modern fabrication methods (modular assemblies, foldable mechanisms, steel systems).
• Experience in hands‑on prototyping, testing, and iteration.
• Mindset & Traits (non‑negotiable):
• High Agency & Grit: You don’t wait to be told what to do—you see problems and take ownership of solving them.
• Builder Mentality: You get energy from making things real, not just analyzing.
• Curiosity & Scientific Rigor: You question assumptions, run experiments, and derive insights from first principles.
• Collaborative Spirit: You thrive in an environment where ideas come from everywhere, and you care about the team winning.
• Mission‑Driven: You want your work to transform how the world builds.

• Build something that hasn’t been built before.
• Shape the future of housing and construction technology.
• Work with a scrappy, ambitious, global team with aligned values.
• Direct ownership of high‑impact R&D projects.
• The chance to leave your mark on a technology that can empower and enrich millions of lives.

📌 Role: Mechanical Engineer – R&D

📍 Location: [IIT Madras Research Part, Chennai]

• 🕒 Commitment: Full-time, High‑Ownership Role