Hardware Lead

WHO WE ARE We are a rapidly growing embodied AI company revolutionizing human labor. Leveraging cutting-edge robotics and advanced artificial intelligence, we develop transformative technologies that redefine how work is done across multiple industries—empowering businesses to streamline operations, boost productivity, and unlock new possibilities. OVERVIEW We're looking for a talented Hardware Lead to design innovative mechanical systems and components for AI-driven robots, while providing technical leadership and hands-on guidance to our technician team. In this role, you'll create detailed 3D models and technical drawings for fabrication, set the technical direction for build and assembly work, collaborate closely with engineering teams to ensure seamless integration with electrical and software systems, conduct mechanical simulations and performance testing, and source components and coordinate with external vendors, suppliers, and procurement on fabrication, quality, and lead times. This is a technical leadership role rather than a formal management role. You'll be the go to expert technicians will turn to for guidance on their daily work. YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES This role may require an extended assignment in the EU for onboarding and to support ongoing European operations. DESIGN AND TESTING: - Design mechanical systems and components for AI-driven robots. - Create detailed 3D models and technical drawings for fabrication. - Optimize designs for cost, efficiency, and manufacturability. - Conduct mechanical simulations and performance testing to validate designs. - Collaborate with engineering and operational teams to ensure seamless integration of mechanical components with electrical and software systems. TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP: - Act as the technical point of contact for the technician team — translating designs into clear build instructions and answering hands-on questions during fabrication and assembly. - Guide technicians through prototyping, testing, and troubleshooting, without formal management responsibility (no performance reviews, hiring, or HR duties). - Review technicians' work for quality and design intent, and feed lessons learned from the shop floor back into your designs. - Set best practices and standards for build quality, tooling, and documentation on the shop floor. - Mentor technicians on mechanical design principles to help them grow their technical skills. - Source components and coordinate with external vendors, suppliers, and procurement on fabrication, quality, and lead times. QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS - Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Computational - Mechanics, Engineering Science, or a related field. - 5+ years of experience in mechanical design, ideally in robotics or automation. - Experience guiding or mentoring technicians or junior engineers in a hands-on, technical capacity. - Experience in industrial design or special-purpose machinery. - Proficiency with CAD tools like SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Creo, or similar. - Understanding of mechanical testing and prototyping processes. - Strong knowledge of material properties, manufacturing methods, and system integration. - Comfortable working directly on the shop floor alongside technicians. - Ability to travel ≈25% COMPENSATION & BENEFITS Base salary range: USD $125,000 – $160,000 (actual pay based on skills, experience, and location) BENEFITS: - Medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents - 401(k) with 100% company match, up to 6% - 20 days paid time off - Parental leave - Paid sick leave - Wellness or gym stipend - Learning and development support - Equity/Bonus ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - Employment may be contingent upon a background check consistent with applicable law. - We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic informatio…