The Founding Head of Hardware will lead the hardware engineering function, overseeing the design, prototyping, and manufacturing processes while building a hardware team for a consumer robotics startup.
About Us
Our Stealth Startup is building novel and unexpected endpoints for AI in the home. We believe that in the AI revolution, we won't only be accessing intelligence through glass screens on our desks and in our pockets. We have invented a new type of AI model called VLIs - vision-language-interaction models - that can be used to power human-robot interactions across a range of robots. The team has backgrounds at Amazon (robotics), Apple, Logitech, Google (AI and robotics) and Humans since 1982. The company is advised by leaders from Stanford, LEGO, Nike, and Google.
The Role
We're seeking a Founding Head of Hardware to lead our hardware and electrical engineering function from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to define the physical form of AI in the home—to translate cutting-edge AI capabilities into tangible, shippable products that people love.
You'll be both architect and builder: designing in CAD one day, establishing manufacturing partnerships the next, and eventually building and leading the hardware team as we scale. This role demands someone who can navigate the full spectrum from napkin sketch to production line, who thrives in ambiguity, and who has strong opinions about what great consumer hardware feels like.
What You'll Do
- Own the hardware roadmap from concept through manufacturing, balancing innovation with pragmatic execution
- Design and prototype mechanical systems, enclosures, and assemblies in CAD
- Lead electrical engineering efforts, working to integrate sensors, actuators, and compute
- Drive DFM (design for manufacturing) decisions, partnering with contract manufacturers and suppliers to optimize for quality, cost, and scale
- Build the hardware team, recruiting and managing mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and industrial designers as we grow
- Establish processes for testing, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance (FCC, safety, etc.)
- Collaborate cross-functionally to ensure our products are both technically excellent and emotionally resonant
Who You Are
Required:
- 5+ years of experience in consumer hardware development, with at least one product shipped from 0 to 1
- Strong mechanical design skills with proficiency in CAD software (SolidWorks, Fusion 360, or similar)
- Deep understanding of electrical engineering fundamentals and experience integrating electronics into consumer products
- Experience with DFM, tooling, and working with overseas manufacturing partners
- Track record of making smart tradeoffs between performance, cost, timeline, and user experience
- Excellent communication skills and comfort operating in a fast-paced, ambiguous startup environment
- Based in or willing to relocate to the San Francisco Bay Area
Preferred:
- Experience in consumer robotics or electromechanical products
- Background in high-end/premium consumer products where design and craft matter
- Familiarity with actuators, motors, sensors, and embedded systems
- Experience scaling hardware from prototype to production volumes (1K+ units)
- Connections within the consumer hardware manufacturing ecosystem
Why Us?
- Founding team opportunity: Shape the company's hardware DNA from day one
- World-class team: Work alongside veterans from Google, Amazon, Logitech, and Stanford
- Exceptional advisors: Guidance from leaders at Stanford, LEGO, Nike, and Google
- Uncommon problem space: Build robots that people actually want in their homes—products that are functional, beautiful, and surprising
- Competitive salary, meaningful equity, and comprehensive benefits
Top Skills
Cad
Fusion 360
Solidworks
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