Hardware Lead – Robotics & Autonomous Systems

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About Our Client

Our client is building the intelligent software layer powering the next generation of autonomous security systems. Combining AI robotics and advanced sensing technologies they enable robots and autonomous platforms to protect critical infrastructure and perform dangerous tasks with greater safety and reliability.

Backed by experienced founders and visionary investors the company is building the future of intelligent physical security from its headquarters in Zürich.

• Location: Zürich Switzerland (On-site)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Level: Director
• Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Support: Available

About the Role

As Hardware Lead youll establish and lead the companys entire hardware function from the ground up. Working directly with the founders youll define hardware strategy build production-ready robotic platforms and lay the foundation for a world-class hardware organization.

This is a highly hands-on leadership role where youll own everything from architecture and systems integration to manufacturing reliability and future team growth.

What Youll Do

• Define the companys hardware strategy across ground robots drones and stationary sensing platforms
• Lead hardware architecture mechanical design and systems integration
• Design and integrate sensors including cameras LiDAR GPS IMU and audio systems
• Own electrical electromechanical power compute and actuation systems
• Drive hardware from prototype through DVT PVT manufacturing and production
• Manage manufacturing partners suppliers BOMs and supply chain operations
• Improve field reliability through testing validation and failure analysis
• Collaborate closely with AI Robotics and Software teams to build production-ready autonomous systems
• Recruit mentor and scale the hardware team as the company grows

What Were Looking For

• 8 years of experience in robotics autonomous systems or advanced hardware engineering
• Proven track record of taking robotic products from prototype to production and real-world deployment
• Deep expertise in mechanical electrical and systems integration with recognized strength in at least one discipline
• Experience with DVT PVT manufacturing readiness and production scaling
• Hands-on experience ruggedizing hardware for outdoor or harsh environments
• Strong experience working with manufacturing partners and supply chains
• Excellent systems thinking across hardware firmware and software boundaries
• Comfortable operating in an early-stage high-growth startup environment

Nice to Have

• Experience with wheeled legged or aerial robotic platforms
• Background in defense security industrial inspection or autonomous robotics
• Experience with ROS 2 and robot bring-up workflows
• Previous experience building and scaling hardware teams from zero

What We Offer

• Opportunity to build and lead the hardware organization from day one
• Meaningful ownership with direct access to founders
• Visa sponsorship and relocation support to Switzerland
• Work alongside world-class experts in AI Robotics and Physics
• Access to cutting-edge robotics compute resources and real-world deployments
• Collaborative international and engineering-driven culture

If youre passionate about building mission-critical robotics that operate reliably in the real world wed love to hear from you...