Head of Hardware

About Hardhat Robotics Hardhat Robotics builds field-ready robotic tools that empower skilled workers, eliminate unnecessary risk, and drive the construction industry toward a safer, smarter future. Our robots operate in extreme environments where failure is a safety event, not a support ticket. The Role You will own the full hardware stack — mechanical design, precision mechanisms, electromechanical integration, electronics packaging, and systems validation — and build the engineering team and processes that ship it. This is a hands-on leadership role: you define the architecture of our robotic platforms from the ground up and are accountable for how reliably they survive construction sites and how quickly they move from prototype to production. What You’ll Do Hardware Development Own end-to-end mechanical architecture: structural frames, actuation systems, end effectors, enclosure design, thermal management, cable routing, and field-replaceable modules. Design and analyze precision mechanisms for accuracy and durability. Perform tolerance stack-up, GD&T, DFM, and FEA (vibration, shock, thermal) before hardware is cut. Own hardware systems engineering: requirements decomposition, SRDs, integration plans, V&V testing, and acceptance criteria across mechanical, electrical, and software disciplines. Lead root-cause analysis on field failures and close the loop into design. Develop MTBF tracking and iterative improvement processes. Establish BOM discipline and configuration management from prototype through pilot production. Team, Suppliers & Field Recruit and lead hardware engineering team across mechanical, electromechanical, and test disciplines. Build a culture of rigor, velocity, and field-first judgment. Own CM/supplier relationships; drive DFM/DFA reviews and manage NRE, lead times, and quality for critical components. Champion AI tools across the HW workflow — generative design, AI-assisted simulation, LLM-aided documentation — and spend meaningful time on active job sites. Required Qualifications 10+ years of hands-on mechanical and electromechanical engineering; 3+ years leading a hardware team or serving as principal contributor on a complex product. Proven track record shipping precision mechanisms or complex electromechanical systems in demanding environments (robotics, aerospace, defense, industrial automation, or comparable). Deep expertise in vibration and shock analysis: field profiles → design requirements → FEA/modal analysis → isolation and damping solutions. Strong electronics packaging background: IP sealing, thermal management, connector/harness selection, EMI mitigation. Proficiency in modern CAD (Onshape preferred) and simulation tools. Experience owning V&V programs and writing SRDs. Genuine daily user of AI tools in the engineering workflow. This is a cultural requirement. Excellent communication skills; comfortable presenting trade-offs to both technical peers and executive stakeholders. Preferred Mobile or field robotics — chassis, suspension, drive systems, payload mounts for outdoor autonomous platforms. Pilot-to-production transition: DVT/EVT/PVT, DFM, tooling, supply chain standup. Functional safety: ISO 13849, IEC 62061, or OSHA machinery safety standards. Founding or early hardware engineer at a robotics or deep-tech startup. What We Offer Significant equity stake — early-stage grant reflecting the scope and long-term ownership of this role. Competitive base salary; below-market-to-market base paired with outsized equity (discussed openly in hiring). Full health, dental, and vision. Flexible PTO. Annual L&D stipend. Unfortunately, at this time we are not in a position to support Visa requirements or requests. Individuals seeking employment at Hardhat Robotics are considered without regards to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, or sexual orientation. #J-18808-Ljbffr Hardhat Robotics