Founding Hardware Engineer (Stealth Robotics Startup)
On-Site
About Us
We’re a tiny, fast-moving team building autonomous systems for heavy industrial machines. We retrofit existing equipment with a plug-and-play autonomy kit that taps directly into machine controls and layers on a full perception + connectivity stack : multi-sensor vision, LiDAR, high-precision GNSS, IMU, and a low-latency tele-operation network.
In just a few months, we’ve gone from first prototype to real machines operating on active job sites, with early recurring revenue and a growing pipeline of paid pilots. We’re backed by top-tier early-stage investors along with a group of founder-operators who know what it takes to build in the real world.
Our founding team has built and shipped hardware, software, and robotics systems before. We thrive where physical machinery, harsh environments, and rapid iteration collide.
Why Join Us
You want to work on problems that actually matter — fixing how the world builds things. Construction is the backbone of civilization, and it’s currently broken. We’re here to change that.You don’t want a cushy robotics lab job. You want to build robots in the mud, on real sites, under real constraints. You’d rather spend a week living out of a dusty RV next to a machine you’re debugging than polishing a slide deck.You want to see your designs move 20–50 tons of real hardware. You want to feel the stakes.You want teammates who operate at founder-level intensity and ownership.About You
You’re a hacker at heart — the kind of person who gets a prototype working before most people finish their planning doc.You’ve built something from scratch : a company, a product, a robot, a system — success not required, agency absolutely required.You work extremely hard, laugh often, and don’t mind chaos. You prefer “figure it out now” to “wait for perfect requirements.”What You’ll Own
As a founding Hardware / Mechatronics Engineer, you’ll design and build the core systems that enable remote operation, sensing, and autonomy assistance on industrial machines. You’ll work across mechanical, electrical, and embedded disciplines, often all in the same day.
System Design & Prototyping
Architect and build tele-operation hardware systems, including power, compute, and control modules for machine retrofits.Sensor Integration
Integrate and calibrate cameras, LiDAR, radar, GNSS, IMUs, and other sensors using interfaces like GMSL, CAN, and Ethernet.Electrical & Mechanical Integration
Design robust wiring harnesses, brackets, mounts, and enclosures that survive real-world abuse.Communication Interfaces
Implement and validate CAN, LIN, J1939, Serial, and Ethernet connections with both existing ECUs and custom control hardware.Manufacturing & DFM
Work with vendors to bring designs from scrappy prototypes to reliable production, including DFM, testing, and validation.Testing & Validation
Lead machine bring-up, HIL testing, and on-site debugging alongside software and autonomy engineers.Documentation & Design
Produce schematics, harness drawings, CAD models, assembly docs, and anything else needed to build and scale the hardware.Compensation & Support
Base : ~$250–380kEquity : ~1–3%Full health / dental / vision, relocation + visa support, downtown SF workspace with full electronics / mech prototyping tools, 401(k), high-spec laptop, and budget for any gear you need.