VP of Engineering, Hardware

Join to apply for the VP of Engineering, Hardware role at RIVR

RIVR is a Swiss robotics company pioneering Physical AI and robotic solutions to revolutionize last‑mile delivery, giving one human the power of 1000. Through the combination of artificial neural networks and innovative robot designs with wheels and legs, RIVR aims to enhance efficiency, sustainability and scalability in last‑mile delivery. Founded as Swiss‑Mile, the company rebranded to RIVR in 2025 to better reflect its mission of driving the future of intelligent robotics.

RIVR is renowned for pioneering robotic design and neural network applications that improve environmental understanding and decision‑making, with a robust research foundation and notable contributions from ETH Zurich.

RIVR is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team that values every perspective. If you’re passionate about driving innovation in robotics and creating meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply and bring your unique self to our team.

As a senior engineering leader at RIVR, you will partner closely with our CTO Hardware to scale the engineering organization during a period of rapid growth. This role targets an individual deeply passionate about developing talent, building future leaders, coaching managers and creating processes that allow engineers to thrive in a complex hardware‑software environment. You will shape a high‑performing, collaborative organization where ownership, iteration, clear communication and alignment are the foundation for delivering impact.

• Partner with the CTO Hardware to scale the engineering organization, aligning structure and priorities with RIVR’s mission.
• Mentor and coach engineering managers, team leads and senior ICs to foster accountability, clear ownership and professional growth.
• Build processes and structures that ensure clarity, alignment and predictability across hardware, software, AI, operations and product teams.
• Strengthen execution by improving planning, prioritisation, decision‑making and cross‑team communication.
• Foster a culture of iteration and velocity, where teams act quickly, learn from feedback and remove blockers proactively.
• Lead organisational planning, including headcount strategy, hiring priorities and team structures that support long‑term scalability.
• Partner with Product, Field and Remote Operations and Business teams to ensure engineering initiatives are aligned, integrated and impactful.
• Support the CTO in driving transparency, predictable delivery and strong decision‑making across engineering.
• Ensure engineering initiatives stay aligned with RIVR’s mission and big‑picture goals.
• Help build a resilient engineering organisation prepared for global growth, while maintaining a culture of trust, respect and collaboration.

• Significant engineering leadership experience in robotics, hardware/software, deep tech or similarly complex environments.
• Experience scaling engineering teams in fast‑growing startups or scale‑ups.
• Proven ability to develop talent, foster high‑performing teams and strengthen leadership across an organisation.
• A strong bias for action and clarity: moving teams forward through iteration, feedback and decisive progress.
• Track record of improving engineering processes, communication and cross‑team collaboration.
• Experience partnering with a CTO or senior technical executive.
• Strong technical understanding combined with organisational awareness and empathy.
• Collaborative, solution‑oriented mindset with a habit of stepping up proactively.

• Background in engineering programme management, people operations or org design.
• Exposure to manufacturing, certification or field deployment environments.
• Familiarity with multicultural or international engineering teams (Europe, US and Asia).

We believe the best work is done when collaborating and therefore require in‑person presence in our office locations.

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