R&D Hardware Engineering Manager
Listed on 2025-12-02
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Engineering
Mechanical Engineer, Robotics, Systems Engineer, Product Engineer
Join to apply for the R&D Hardware Engineering Manager role at Agility Robotics
Join to apply for the R&D Hardware Engineering Manager role at Agility Robotics
Agility Robotics is a pioneer. Our robot, Digit, is the first to be sold into workplaces across the globe. Our team is differentiated by its expertise in imagining, engineering, and delivering robots with advanced mobility, dexterity, intelligence, and efficiency -- robots specifically designed to work alongside people, in spaces built for people. Every day, we break through engineering challenges and invent new solutions and capabilities that will one day make robots commonplace and approachable.
This work is our passion and our responsibility: our mission is to make businesses more productive and people's lives more fulfilling.
About the Team
Agility Robotics is building the future of bipedal robotics with Digit, a human-centric, multipurpose robot designed to work alongside people in real-world environments. The Innovation Team is a nimble, skunk works-style R&D group working directly with company leadership (CTO and Chief Robot Officer) to explore and de-risk bold concepts that will shape the future generations of Digit.
About the Role
We are seeking a hands-on engineering leader who is passionate about building cutting-edge robotic systems and thrives in a fast-paced, ambiguous R&D environment. This role includes managing a small team (3–6 engineers) with a focus heavily weighted toward individual contribution (IC) in mechanical design and rapid prototyping. You will own mechanical subsystems end-to-end: from concept and CAD, through prototyping, testing, iteration, and cross-functional collaboration.
You'll also guide IC engineers, lead reviews, help us hire, and shape development processes to enhance team effectiveness and quality.
This is an ideal opportunity for a high-performing mechanical engineer with deep technical expertise and at least 3 years of leadership experience, looking to remain close to the technical work while having an outsized impact on a small, elite team.
About the Work:
- Lead mechanical design of new prototype subsystems (e.g., novel actuators, transmissions, legs, arms, feet, BLDC motors, grippers, etc.)
- Own concept development, analysis, CAD (Creo), and prototype build/test cycles
- Conduct engineering calculations, FEA collaboration, and tolerance stack-up for proof-of-concept hardware
- Develop test protocols and root cause investigations for your subsystems
- Collaborate cross-functionally with software, controls, electrical, test, and manufacturing engineers
- Drive data-driven design and simplicity-first approaches
- Document work rigorously using tools like Jira, Confluence, and Windchill
- Manage, mentor, and develop a small team of mechanical engineers (3–6), providing technical coaching for earlier-career engineers, career development, and feedback
- Ensure execution toward high-priority R&D goals
- Plan and lead design reviews, aligning with internal stakeholders (including CTO and Chief Robot Officer)
- Help define lightweight, effective processes for a high-functioning R&D team
- Contribute to hiring efforts and promote a culture of curiosity, rigor, and rapid iteration
- You love designing elegant and functional mechanical systems from scratch, often with difficult-to-define requirements
- You're an expert problem solver who thrives in self-driven, ambiguous, fast-moving environments
- You're excited to stay close to the design and prototyping process
- You're experienced in leading teams, but still hands-on and deeply technical
- B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field
- 8+ years of mechanical design experience
- At least 3 years of technical leadership or people management experience
- Expertise in electromechanical system design (e.g., mechanisms, actuators, structural systems, sensor integration)
- Expert-level proficiency in CAD (PTC Creo preferred), including mechanical drawings and GD&T
- Strong communication skills and ability to guide technical discussions
- Experience designing, prototyping, and testing complex mechanical subsystems
- Willingness to be on-site in Salem, OR at least 3 days/week
- Robotics or autonomous…
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