Hardware Lead – Robotics & Autonomous Systems | Zürich

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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, you'll establish and lead the company's entire hardware function from the ground up. Working directly with the founders, you'll 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 you'll own everything from architecture and systems integration to manufacturing, reliability, and future team growth.

What You'll Do

• Define the company's 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 We're 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 you're passionate about building mission-critical robotics that operate reliably in the real world, we'd love to hear from you...