Hardware Lead

Hardware Lead role at a well-funded AI and robotics startup in Zürich, Switzerland. Responsible for building the entire hardware function from scratch, including strategy, design, manufacturing, and field reliability.

• Hardware strategy: platform choices (build vs. partner vs. integrate) across ground robots, drones, and stationary sensors
• Mechanical design: chassis, mounting, and ruggedization for outdoor security deployments
• Electrical and electromechanical systems: power, compute, actuation, sensing integration
• Sensor integration (cameras, LiDAR, IMU, GPS, audio): selection, calibration, and physical integration
• Manufacturing and supply chain: prototype-to-production pipeline, vendor management, BOM ownership
• Field reliability: environmental qualification, MTBF, failure analysis, and durability programs
• Hiring: build the hardware team behind you as the product scales

• 8+ years in robotics, autonomous systems, or adjacent hardware, with at least one product taken from prototype into the field
• Deep expertise across mechanical, electrical, and systems integration - world-class in at least one, strong in the others
• Hands-on experience taking robots through prototype, DVT, PVT, and into production
• Track record of ruggedizing hardware for outdoor, all-weather, or harsh environments
• Experience managing manufacturing partners and supply chains
• Strong systems thinker - you reason cleanly across mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software boundaries