Sr. Director, Hardware Engineering

At Serve Robotics, we’re reimagining how things move in cities. Our personable sidewalk robot is our vision for the future. It’s designed to take deliveries away from congested streets, make deliveries available to more people, and benefit local businesses. The Serve fleet has been delighting merchants, customers, and pedestrians along the way in Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta and Chicago while doing commercial deliveries. We’re looking for talented individuals who will grow robotic deliveries from surprising novelty to efficient ubiquity. WHO WE ARE We are tech industry veterans in software, hardware, and design who are pooling our skills to build the future we want to live in. We are solving real-world problems leveraging robotics, machine learning and computer vision, among other disciplines, with a mindful eye towards the end-to-end user experience. Our team is agile, diverse, and driven. We believe that the best way to solve complicated dynamic problems is collaboratively and respectfully. As the Sr. Director of Hardware Engineering, you will lead and mentor a team of engineers, oversee the design and development of complex hardware systems, and play a pivotal role in the strategic planning and execution of our robotics roadmap. You will be responsible for guiding the team through the entire product lifecycle, ensuring a structured, methodical approach to problem-solving while maintaining hands-on technical leadership. This role combines deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and operational excellence, making it ideal for a leader who thrives on transforming ideas into real-world products. Responsibilities: Leadership & Team Management - Lead, mentor, and develop an international team of hardware engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and technical excellence. - Define team goals, allocate resources effectively, and align engineering efforts with company objectives. - Partner with cross-functional leaders in mechanical engineering, embedded software, autonomy, manufacturing and systems teams to ensure seamless product integration. Technical Oversight - Provide technical guidance on the design, development, and validation of hardware systems, ensuring alignment with project specifications and timelines. - Oversee hardware design, embedded systems, and power management for robotics applications. - Stay hands-on with design reviews, system architecture, and key technical decisions. Strategic Planning & Execution - Drive long-term strategic planning and roadmapping, identifying future needs and opportunities in robotics hardware development. - Develop and manage the department’s budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation and prioritization. - Create detailed project plans, track progress, and manage risks to deliver products on time and within scope. Methodical Problem Solving - Develop and maintain structured processes and methodologies for diagnosing and resolving technical challenges. - Ensure high standards for quality assurance, reliability testing, and compliance. - Deliver and maintain volume and cost manufacturing requirements. - Promote continuous improvement in engineering practices and workflows. Qualifications: - 10+ years in electrical engineering, with at least 5 years in a leadership role managing teams of 15+ engineers. - Proven track record of shipping motion robotics, drones, or similar mechatronic systems with integrated sensors and battery-operated designs. - Demonstrated expertise in designing and delivering complex electromechanical systems, including robotics with precision motion control. - Experience bringing products from concept to market, preferably in robotics, autonomous systems, or similar industries. - Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, resource allocation, and managing complex engineering projects. Technical Expertise - Strong background in PCB design, embedded systems, sensors, and robotics hardware. - Familiarity with power systems, motor control, and system integration for autonomous systems. - Expertise in mechatronics, integrating electrical, mechanical, and software components for robotics systems. - Hands-on technical experience, staying engaged with technical challenges while empowering your team. Skills - Exceptional problem-solving abilities with a structured and methodical approach to technical challenges. - Strong communication and collaboration skills, able to influence and align cross-functional teams. - Strategic mindset with the ability to balance immediate project needs with long-term company goals. Why Join Us? - Work at the cutting edge of robotics technology, contributing to innovations that transform industries. - Lead a talented and driven team in a company that values creativity, ownership, and technical excellence. - Shape the future of robotics with full ownership of our hardware development strategy. If you are passionate about robotics, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and have a proven ability to lead and inspire teams to create disruptive products, we’d love to hear from you!