Hardware Lead at AI-powered physical security & robotics startup

Hardware Lead — Build the hardware function from zero at an AI-powered security robotics startup (Zurich)

A founding team with deep expertise across AI, autonomy, and software — and zero hardware in-house — is hiring a Hardware Lead to change that. You will define hardware strategy across ground, aerial, and stationary platforms, own the physical robots that run their field foundation models, and grow the hardware team as the company scales. This is a high‑leverage role working directly with founders and will be deeply hands‑on for the first year.

• Hardware strategy: build versus partner versus integrate across ground robots, drones, and stationary sensors
• Mechanical design: chassis, mounting, ruggedization for outdoor security deployments
• Electrical and electromechanical systems: power, compute, actuation, sensing
• Sensor integration: cameras, LiDAR, IMU, GPS, audio
• Manufacturing and supply chain: prototype-to-production, vendor management, BOM
• Field reliability: environmental qualification, MTBF, failure analysis
• Hiring: build the hardware team from zero

• 8+ years in robotics, autonomous systems, or adjacent hardware, with a product taken from prototype into the field
• Deep expertise across mechanical, electrical, and systems integration
• Hands‑on experience through prototype, DVT, PVT, and into production
• Track record of ruggedizing hardware for harsh environments
• Experience managing manufacturing partners and supply chains
• Based in or willing to relocate to Zurich, Switzerland (visa and relocation support available)