StaffingForce
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 scale (2030 units/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 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
- 12‑20+ 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., SolidWorks) 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.