Vice President of Engineering

Vice President of Engineering

This company develops and operates modular, software-defined robotic production factories. These factories use advanced automation, AI-driven forming processes, and robotic arms to manufacture complex metal components with high precision, without traditional tooling.

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on hardware engineering leader to take advanced mechanical-electrical automation platforms and robotic production factories from V2 prototypes to V3 production-ready systems. You must excel in CAD design, system analysis, on-floor troubleshooting, and technical leadership. This role transforms early systems into stable, repeatable machines and enables consistent, high-quality, low-volume production.

You will own the critical 1-to-10 scale-up, build and mentor the engineering team, and drive system integration, reliability, and production readiness across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Hands-On Hardware Leadership

• Lead design, analysis, and debugging across mechanical, electrical, automation, hydraulic, pneumatic, and robotic subsystems.

• Maintain engineering rigor while driving fast development cycles.

• Serve as the technical authority on advanced automation platform architecture.

System Integration

• Ensure seamless integration across mechanical, electrical, automation, controls, and robotic elements.

• Provide strong mechanical leadership with meaningful electrical and embedded literacy.

• Guarantee reliable, cohesive system performance.

Prototype Production (V2 V3)

• Mature prototypes into manufacturable, field-ready production systems.

• Implement DFM, validation protocols, testing frameworks, and quality standards.

• Build systems that can be reliably produced in low-volume at scaleunits/year and growing).

Production Integration & Reliability

• Own production integration end-to-end.

• Partner with manufacturing to achieve repeatable builds.

• Lead root-cause analysis, reliability improvements, and continuous optimization.

Large Machinery & Deployment

• Oversee the development of large, welded structures and industrial automation equipment.

• Ensure safety, maintainability, and readiness for field deployment.

• Strengthening the robustness of platform systems over time.

Startup-Speed Execution

• Move quickly, manage ambiguity, and maintain clarity and momentum.

• Balance deep technical engagement with production leadership.

• Drive toward aggressive milestones in a fast-paced environment.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with software, controls, production, and operations teams.

• Align engineering output with product needs, manufacturing readiness, and customer expectations.

Team Leadership

• Build, mentor, and scale a high-performing, multidisciplinary engineering organization.

• Recruit top-tier mechanical, electrical, automation, and systems engineers.

• Foster a culture of speed, technical rigor, ownership, and high standards.

Program Management & Operational Leadership

• Set engineering priorities, milestones, and roadmaps.

• Manage budgets, resources, and vendor relationships.

• Establish a process discipline with sufficient flexibility for rapid iteration.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Define hardware quality and safety standards.

• Lead reliability testing, FMEA, risk reviews, and certifications.

• Ensure systems meet safety and operational requirements.

Risk & Field Engagement

• Identify risks early and implement mitigation plans.

• Support early customer deployments and resolve field issues.

• Ensure the platform performs reliably in real-world environments.

Executive Leadership

• Contribute to broader company strategy as part of the leadership team.

• Communicate engineering progress, risks, and priorities to executives and stakeholders.

• Align technical decisions with business goals and long-term vision.

Requirements

Technical Background

• years in hardware engineering, advanced machinery, robotics, automation, manufacturing systems, or related fields.

• Strong mechanical engineering foundation with a solid understanding of electrical/embedded systems.

• Hands-on builder mentality, comfortable in CAD (e.g., Solid Works) and on the production floor.

• Experience with complex mechanical-electrical automation platforms.

Leadership & Execution

• Proven success leading multidisciplinary engineering teams.

• Demonstrated ability to take hardware from prototype to production.

• Thrives in high-intensity, fast-paced startup environments.

• Strong ownership, urgency, and cross-functional communication skills.

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