Senior Director, Hardware Engineering - Robotic Cell

Symbotic - Wilmington, DE

Full-time - Senior

Wilmington, DE

Warehousing and Storage

About the position

Symbotic is at the forefront of technological innovation in robotics and automation, and we are seeking a hands-on Senior Director of Hardware Engineering to lead our Hardware Engineering team. This individual will play a crucial role in developing cutting-edge solutions that revolutionize industrial applications. The ideal candidate will possess a deep-rooted understanding of the robotics domain, as well as a holistic grasp of automation, mechanical, electrical, and industrial contexts. In this position, you will dive deep into complex hardware challenges, providing hands-on technical guidance and solutions. You will ensure that our robotic and automation designs are both innovative and feasible, while also coaching, mentoring, and growing the hardware engineering team. Your leadership will ensure a blend of creativity and discipline in every project, and you will be responsible for developing reports and managing high-performing teams. You will ensure that our robotic solutions are mechanically and electrically sound, backed by meticulous design, rigorous testing, and iterative refinement. Integrating an industrial perspective into our designs is essential, focusing on aspects like PLCs, motor systems, drives, and conveyance mechanisms to ensure our automated and robotics solutions can thrive in real-world industrial environments. Collaboration is key in this role; you will foster a strong partnership between hardware and software teams, ensuring that high-level and low-level software integration aligns seamlessly with hardware functionalities. You will set the direction for the hardware engineering department, ensuring alignment with the company's overarching vision and goals, and drive Key Performance Indicators across the Hardware Engineering team. Regular engagement with other department heads, executives, and external partners will be necessary to align on project objectives, deliverables, and timelines. Continuous learning is vital, as you will stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices in robotics, automation, mechanical design, and industrial applications, delivering continuous improvement, value-add, and cost reductions. This position may require travel of up to 25%.

Responsibilities

• Provide hands-on technical guidance and solutions for complex hardware challenges.
• Coach, mentor, and grow the hardware engineering team.
• Ensure robotic solutions are mechanically and electrically sound through meticulous design and rigorous testing.
• Integrate an industrial perspective into designs focusing on PLCs, motor systems, drives, and conveyance mechanisms.
• Foster collaboration between hardware and software teams for seamless integration.
• Set the direction for the hardware engineering department and drive Key Performance Indicators.
• Engage regularly with department heads, executives, and external partners to align on project objectives.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration and functionality.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in robotics and automation.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, or related field); Master's degree preferred.
• 15+ years in hardware engineering with a focus on automation, robotics, and/or automotive.
• Proven experience in designing and scaling industrial automation and robotic solutions.
• Hands-on expertise in mechanical, electrical, and industrial design, including industrial controllers, motor systems, drives, sensors, and conveyance mechanisms.
• Strong understanding of design principles, product life management, and manufacturing processes.
• Experience leading distributed/multi-location teams, including external design partners.
• Deep understanding of robotics from both mechanical and software automation perspectives.
• Familiarity with high-level and low-level software integration in robotic systems.
• Demonstrated leadership with a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills for fostering collaboration.

Nice-to-haves

• Certifications or additional training in industrial systems, PLC programming, and conveyance systems.