Autonomy Hardware Development Lead

Seattle, WA (Onsite)

Full-Time

TalentReach is hiring on behalf of an innovative robotics company developing autonomous systems that solve complex real-world challenges through the integration of hardware, software, and AI.

We are seeking an experienced Autonomy Hardware Development Lead to drive the development and delivery of complex autonomous hardware systems from concept through production and field deployment. This role is ideal for a hands-on technical leader who has successfully shipped hardware products in fast-paced environments and thrives at the intersection of electrical, mechanical, embedded, and software engineering disciplines.

The Autonomy Hardware Development Lead will own the hardware platform end-to-end, providing technical leadership across architecture, system integration, reliability, and product execution. This individual will work cross-functionally with engineering, product, manufacturing, and field operations teams to ensure the platform performs reliably in both manufacturing and customer environments.

This role requires a unique combination of systems-level thinking, technical depth, leadership, and execution. The ideal candidate knows when to lead strategically and when to roll up their sleeves to solve critical technical challenges.

What You'll Do

• •Own the hardware platform holistically, including architecture, integration, reliability, and technical execution
• •Define and communicate technical vision based on business objectives, market requirements, and customer needs
• •Develop and manage technical product development plans in partnership with engineering leadership and project teams
• •Lead system-level design reviews, requirements definition, verification planning, and technical decision-making
• •Drive engineering development cycles from concept through production, including:
• •Risk identification and mitigation
• •Rapid prototyping and iteration
• •Root cause analysis and corrective actions
• •Resolution of manufacturing and field issues
• •Mentor and support hardware engineering teams through technical leadership, design guidance, and hands-on problem solving
• •Maintain deep understanding of product performance, technical dependencies, customer issues, and roadmap priorities
• •Collaborate closely with Product Management, Program Management, Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Field Operations teams
• •Partner with mechanical, electrical, software, autonomy, and manufacturing engineers to ensure system-level performance and reliability
• •Support manufacturing builds, supplier relationships, field testing, and production scaling efforts
• •Provide hands-on technical leadership across sensors, power systems, compute platforms, harnessing, firmware integration, and mechanical systems as needed

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• •Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• •Proven experience leading multidisciplinary hardware engineering teams responsible for designing, building, and shipping complex physical products
• •Demonstrated success delivering products through the full development lifecycle, from concept through production deployment
• •Strong systems engineering and systems integration experience
• •Experience with vehicle electrical systems and full-cycle product development
• •Ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on technical execution
• •Strong communication, collaboration, and cross-functional leadership skills
• •Experience influencing technical direction across engineering, operations, and product organizations

Preferred Qualifications

• •Startup or small-company experience where speed, ownership, and adaptability are critical
• •Prior experience as a high-performing individual contributor in electrical, mechanical, or mechatronic engineering
• •Experience with off-highway equipment, autonomous systems, robotics, hydraulics, vehicle controls, or electromechanical assemblies
• •Experience designing parts and complex assemblies using SolidWorks or similar CAD platforms
• •Familiarity with sensors, compute modules, power systems, harnessing, ruggedized enclosures, and embedded systems
• •Experience supporting manufacturing scale-up, supplier management, and field deployments
• •Background in robotics, autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, or related industries

Travel Requirements

• •Approximately 40% travel, typically consisting of several short trips each month
• •Occasional weekend travel may be required to support major releases, field testing, customer deployments, or issue resolution

Compensation & Benefits

• •Base Salary: $180,000 – $200,000
• •Comprehensive benefits package
• •Opportunity to work on cutting-edge autonomous systems with real-world impact
• •High-visibility leadership role with significant influence on product direction and execution

TalentReach is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome applicants of all identities and backgrounds and provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We believe diversity strengthens our team and the communities we serve.