Senior Hardware Engineer, Robotics

San Carlos, CARobust AI /Full Time /On-siteSenior Electrical Engineer, RoboticsAbout you and this roleRobust AI is a fast-growing, early-stage startup founded in 2019 by an unsurpassed team of veterans in robotics, AI, and business. We are a collaborative group with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives, seeking talented individuals who are just as excited about robotics and AI as we are! Help us redefine the very foundation of robotics and build robots that are smart, collaborative, robust, safe, flexible, and genuinely autonomous.As a Senior Electrical Engineer at Robust AI, you will join a small, fast-paced team designing and deploying the next generation of warehouse robotic systems. You’ll own schematic capture and board layout for custom PCBs, get your hands dirty debugging and bringing up hardware on our current robot fleet, and help inform the design of our next-generation robot. You thrive in ambiguity, move quickly, and are comfortable wearing multiple hats — the kind of engineer who’s happiest when a scope, a soldering iron, and a stack of datasheets are all within arm’s reach. You’re excited about seeing robots deployed at scale, and you can pivot effectively as priorities shift in an early-stage startup environment.Main responsibilitiesDesign, prototype, and iterate custom PCBs for the robot, from schematic capture through board layoutHands-on bring-up, debugging, and testing of electrical hardware on our current robot fleetCollaborate with the team to formulate electrical architecture and inform next-generation robot designGenerate design documentation and lead design reviewsConduct bench modifications and rapid hardware prototyping to unblock developmentEngage with cross-functional engineering team members (mechanical, firmware, software) to fulfill and enhance performance requirements while optimizing hardware/firmware interfacesSupport firmware integration, testing, and debugging alongside the firmware team as neededWork directly with fab houses and contract manufacturers to take boards from prototype through productionMinimum qualificationsBachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or equivalent5+ years of experience in electrical/hardware engineeringStrong electrical and embedded systems fundamentalsExperience with schematic capture and PCB layout (Altium preferred)Proven track record of releasing boards to production, with designs that meet EMC compliance requirementsHands-on experience debugging complex electromechanical hardware with tools such as scopes, logic analyzers, and DMMsFamiliarity with communication protocols such as USB, I2C, SPI, UART, RS485, etc.Comfortable working in a fast-paced, early-stage startup environment and able to pivot effectively as priorities changeStrong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and cross-functional audiencesPreferred qualifications (bonus)Firmware development in CPython scripting and comfort working in Linux environmentsProficiency with microcontrollers, preferably the STM32 familyFamiliarity with BLDC motors and motor controlBackground in robotic or mechatronic systemsWhat we offerBase pay between $160,000 and $200,000, depending on your skills, qualifications, and experienceStock options and huge potential for growthStrong startup (and fun) cultureMedical, dental, and vision coverageFlexible vacation and sick leave practicesPaid parental leave$160,000 - $200,000 a yearRobust AI fosters a culture of belonging and a shared commitment to equality and equity. Having a diverse set of perspectives is key to ensuring AI and robotics serve the needs of all.We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.