Director of Hardware

Summary

Headquartered in sunny Los Angeles, GrayMatter Robotics is a well-capitalized AI robotics startup serving the manufacturing industry.  We empower shop floor workers with our smart robots that assist with tedious and ergonomically challenging tasks, specifically in automated surface finishing. Our proprietary GMR-AI™ software is integrated with state-of-the-art industrial robots, sensors, and tools to create application-specific turnkey solutions for customers through a Robot-as-a-Service (RaaS) model.

At the forefront of technological innovation in AI, robotics and automation, our Hardware and Process Engineering team is dedicated to developing cutting-edge solutions that revolutionize industrial manufacturing applications. We blend advanced robotics with automation, and process knowledge to design systems that enhance current manufacturing processes. Developed systems are not only innovative but also robust and scalable, capable of operating efficiently across various industrial settings. Our work encompasses a broad spectrum of activities including mechanical design, electrical engineering, process engineering, and software integration, ensuring that every product we develop meets the highest standards of quality and performance. We are a dynamic group of professionals committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in hardware and process engineering, driving forward our mission to lead and transform the industry.

Role & Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Dive deep into complex hardware and process challenges, providing hands-on technical guidance and solutions. Ensure our robotic and automation designs are both innovative, feasible, and rapidly scalable. 

• Leadership: coach, mentor, and grow the hardware and process engineering teams, ensuring a blend of creativity and discipline in every project. Develop reports and manage high performing teams.

• Robotic Design Excellence: Ensure our robotic solutions and tools are mechanically and electrically sound, backed by meticulous design, rigorous testing, and iterative refinement.

• Robotic Process Excellence: Enhance our robotic process knowledge by developing new process methodologies, testing new process media (like sandpaper, grinding discs, etc.) and process materials, and developing new engineered tools.

• Industrial Acumen: Integrate an industrial perspective into our designs, focusing on aspects like PLCs, motor systems, drives, process tools, and media changers  to ensure our automated and robotics solutions can thrive in real-world industrial environments.

• Software Synergy: Foster a strong collaboration between hardware and software teams. Ensure high-level and low-level software integration aligns seamlessly with hardware functionalities.

• Strategic Planning: Set the direction for the hardware and process engineering departments, ensuring alignment with the company's overarching vision and goals.  Drive Key Performance Indicators across the Hardware Engineering team.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Regularly liaise with other department heads, executives, and external partners to align on project objectives, deliverables, and timelines.

• Intense Collaboration: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams (software, design, procurement, installation, commissioning, and product management) to ensure seamless integration and functionality.

• Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in robotics, automation, mechanical design, process tools and media and industrial applications.  Deliver continuous improvement, value-add and cost reductions.

• Travel: Travel to up to 25%

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, or a related field.

• 10+ years of industry experience in hardware and process engineering, with a substantial focus on automation, robotics and/ or manufacturing.

• Hands-on expertise in mechanical, electrical and industrial design, sensors and manufacturing processes, exhibiting an understanding of industrial process control systems (including but not limited to PLCs, motor systems, drives, and media changers), and the ability to integrate these elements effectively into robotic automation solutions..

• Strong understanding of design principles, product life management, engineering design environment, manufacturing processes, safety and quality control procedures.

• Familiarity with high-level and low-level software integration in robotic systems.

• Demonstrated leadership with a hands-on approach, ensuring practical and efficient solutions.

• Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing new process methodologies, testing and validating process media (e.g., sandpaper, grinding discs), and creating engineered process tools to enhance process efficiency.

• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills, capable of fostering collaboration and navigating complex organizational structures.

• Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment with quickly changing priorities.

• Must secure work authorization in the United States and maintain ongoing work authorization beginning at the time of hire through the entirety of employment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Engineering Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, or a related field.

• Experience leading various distributed/multi-location teams, including external design and manufacturing partners.

• Experience in process engineering within automation, robotics, or manufacturing environments, with a strong emphasis on optimizing and scaling complex robotic processes

• Proven ability and experience in designing and scaling industrial automation and robotic solutions, in a fast pace and customer-focused environment.

• Deep understanding of the robotics field, both from a mechanical and software automation perspective.

GrayMatter Robotics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage and embrace applicants of all backgrounds to apply!

GrayMatter Robotics is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. If you believe you require accommodations during the recruiting process, please contact accommodations@graymatter-robotics.com to submit your request.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Compensation for this position includes the base salary range of $210,000- $250,000 USD plus equity. We also provide comprehensive benefits and perks which include but are not limited to medical, dental, vision, unlimited PTO, 401(k) plan + employer match, regular offsite events, a discretionary fund for enhancing productivity and so much more! The range listed on job postings reflect the minimum and maximum new hire salary across levels in Los Angeles, CA.