Founding Robotics Hardware Architect

Full Job Description

The Company

Our client is a robotics startup revolutionizing manufacturing through dexterous robotic automation. Their mission is to build advanced systems pushing boundaries in physical intelligence, robotic dexterity, data collection scale, and manufacturing economics. Hardware R&D (Research and Development) occurs in their in-house Vietnam factories, collapsing design, iteration, and deployment into one loop. Our client's hardware operates on active factory floors under real constraints of durability, serviceability, and uptime. Systems must survive repeated human use, industrial environments, and continuous iteration

Position Overview

• Location: Based in Vietnam for the initial 12–24 month R&D and deployment phase; long-term location (U.S., Europe, or Asia) decided collectively by the engineering team.
• Stage: Early hardware development (first prototype through first repeatable systems).
• Reports to: Co-founder / CTO.
• Core mandate: Own the system architecture and physical integrity of dexterous robotic hardware evolving from handheld data collection devices to bimanual robotic arms, through hands-on design, build, and iteration in real manufacturing environments.
• Works closely with: Founding Robotics Hardware Engineer.

The Role

Own the technical coherence and physical architecture of an evolving hardware system across three interconnected embodiments:

• Handheld data collection gripper
• Actuated version of that gripper
• Bimanual robotic manipulation system with 6-DoF motion

These are successive iterations of the same interaction, sensing, and mechanical design. Ensure early decisions enable seamless progression, with learnings compounding across embodiments.

This is a hands-on, builder-first role grounded in physical reality. As the owner of system-level coherence, you collaborate closely with the Founding Robotics Hardware Engineer to design, build, test, break, and refine hardware that is robust, evolvable, and fit for real manufacturing use.

Join to architect hardware that redefines manufacturing, with deep ownership and close collaboration in a high-velocity environment.

Collaboration Model

Work as a peer with the Founding Robotics Hardware Engineer (Architect ↔ Engineer). Early development owned jointly across architecture and implementation. Responsibilities differentiated by focus (coherence vs. execution), but delivery shared.

Embedded firmware, robotic systems, and controls specialists join later; early members cross boundaries for high iteration velocity. Titles start modest, evolving based on ownership and impact, rewarding builders over status.

Core Responsibilities

• Define system-level decisions: mechanical architecture, load paths, sensing (including force/torque, cameras, encoders, IMUs, and micro-vibrational), actuation, force transmission, modularity, serviceability, repair.
• Own Master Assembly and System BOM.
• Design/build initial handheld gripper from concept to prototypes.
• Evolve to actuated gripper, preserving geometry, sensing, data fidelity.
• Extend concepts to early bimanual 6-DoF system.
• Design geometries/interaction points valid across embodiments.
• Reason on backdrivability, compliance, human-in-the-loop forces.
• Ensure data quality/comparability between modes.
• Design for comfortable, efficient long-duration human use without compromising sensing
• or robotic transfer.
• Run experiments to resolve uncertainties.
• Collaborate daily with Founding Robotics Hardware Engineer for rapid iteration.
• Make choices enabling future embedded/robotic engineers without rework.
• Incorporate basic safety for human-robot prototyping.
• Define hardware abstractions/connectors for plug-and-play.

Technical Scope

Own or make early decisions across domains (depth grows via building, not required Day 1):

• Mechanical/System Design: CAD for assemblies, tolerances/fasteners/loads, cable routing/strain relief/assembly flows, ergonomics/fatigue, simulation (e.g., SolidWorks kinematics, ROS/Gazebo), materials for durability (IP-rated, thermal basics).
• Actuation/Force Transmission: Motors/gearboxes/linkages/compliance, backdrivability/stall/shock modes, mechanisms for human/motor input.
• Sensors/Integration: Force/torque/load cells, encoders/cameras/IMUs/micro-vibrational, placement/isolation/vibration/calibration, time-synced data for ML.
• Electronics/Embedded: Power distribution, noise/grounding, MCU/SBC tradeoffs, interfaces (CAN/SPI/I2C/USB/Ethernet), dev boards to custom PCBs, basic schematic/layout (KiCad), minimal scripting (Arduino/Python), data logging/export.
• Prototyping/Manufacturing: 3D printing/machining, vendor coordination, Asian supply chains, end-to-end bring-up/debugging, DFM timing.

Ideal Background

• 7+ years taking hardware from concept to robust, repeated-use prototypes (shipped products preferred).
• Strong in robotics/mechatronics/industrial tools/instrumentation.
• Comfort with ambiguity, learning via physical iteration.
• Evidence-driven; collaborative prototyping in small teams, resolving tradeoffs.
• Appreciation for real-world hardware survival beyond the lab.

This Role is Not

• Refinement/production optimization (prove concept; specialists scale later).
• "Work through others" (hands-dirty collaboration).
• Pure CAD/strategic without building.

Why Vietnam?

Hardware R&D is based in our client's in-house Vietnam factories, leveraging proximity to Asia's top manufacturing partners and suppliers for rapid prototyping and sourcing. Proximity to Shenzhen and local vendors enables iterations in days, not weeks. By integrating design, build, and deployment into a single environment, our client maximizes speed and learning. Dive into hands-on innovation in a fast-growing manufacturing hub, gaining expertise for global robotics leadership.

Compensation & Relocation

• Base: US$80,000–160,000 per annum (flexible salary/equity).
• Equity: 0.75%–1.75%, 4-year vest/1-year cliff; refreshers on milestones.
• Relocation: Visa/legal assistance (work/dependent visas, tax), flights/return trips, family support.

Apply if you thrive in high-agency, collaborative hardware environments. Individuals or pre-existing duos are welcome. Please send your resume, a brief note on your interest in this system evolution, and a portfolio of relevant hardware work.

Qualifications And Requirements

Mid-Senior level

Mid-Senior level

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