Founding Hardware Engineer for Robotics Startup

Join an innovative startup dedicated to creating autonomous systems for heavy industrial machines. Our focus is on retrofitting existing equipment with a plug-and-play autonomy kit that seamlessly integrates with machine controls and enhances them with advanced perception and connectivity capabilities, including multi-sensor vision, LiDAR, high-precision GNSS, IMU, and a low-latency tele-operation network.

In just a few months, we have progressed from our first prototype to practical applications, actively operating on job sites with early recurring revenue and a promising pipeline of paid pilots. Our founding team includes seasoned professionals with a successful track record in building and launching hardware, software, and robotics systems.

If you excel in dynamic, hands-on environments rather than conventional robotics labs, this position is ideal for you. We seek individuals who enjoy working with machines in the field and can troubleshoot effectively under real-world conditions. You will be the type of engineer who makes prototypes functional before others finish their planning documents.

As a Founding Hardware Engineer, you will:

Design and develop core systems that facilitate remote operation, sensing, and autonomy for industrial machines.

Engage with mechanical, electrical, and embedded disciplines frequently, often within the same day.

Create and refine tele-operation hardware systems, including power, compute, and control modules for machine retrofitting.

Collaborate with vendors to evolve designs from rough prototypes into dependable production models, emphasizing design for manufacturability (DFM), testing, and validation.

Lead machine bring-up sessions, hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing, and on-site debugging in tandem with software and autonomy engineers.

Produce critical documentation such as schematics, harness drawings, CAD models, assembly instructions, and any other materials necessary for hardware development and scaling.

We offer a competitive equity stake of approximately 1-3%, full health/dental/vision benefits, relocation and visa support, and an inspiring workspace in downtown San Francisco equipped with state-of-the-art electronics and mechanical prototyping tools. You will receive a high-spec laptop and a budget for any essential gear.