Engineering Manager, Hardware Design

As part of the Sensing and Embodied Intelligence team at Path Robotics, the Engineering Manager will lead a team of engineers responsible for sensing end-of-arm tooling, robotic hardware, and the physical interfaces connecting robots, sensors, tools, and workpieces. This is a hands-on leadership role combining mechanical engineering expertise with people management, technical strategy, and cross-functional execution, supporting Path's expansion into factory automation. The position may support work performed under U.S. Government contracts and may involve export-controlled information (ITAR and/or EAR), Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), and employment may be contingent upon a background check.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical engineers, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and career development; Own engineering priorities, resource planning, and execution of mechanical hardware development initiatives; Oversee the design and development of sensing end-of-arm tooling, robotic components, fixtures, and electromechanical systems; Drive the integration of cameras, 3D sensors, force/torque sensors, tactile sensors, and other sensing technologies into robotic hardware; Define mechanical and physical interfaces between robots, tools, sensors, fixtures, and workpieces; Lead technical design reviews and establish standards for reliability, manufacturability, serviceability, and system performance; Partner with ML, Robotics, Software, and Electrical Engineering teams to translate product and model training requirements into hardware solutions; Support the design of tasks, fixtures, and environments used to collect robotic manipulation training data; Oversee the full hardware development lifecycle, including requirements, prototyping, testing, validation, production release, and deployment; Work closely with vendors, suppliers, and internal manufacturing teams to accelerate hardware development; Drive root-cause analysis, continuous improvement, and resolution of technical challenges identified during testing and field deployment; Support hiring, team development, and the establishment of scalable engineering processes as Path grows

Requirements

Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience; 7+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, robotics, automation, or industrial hardware development; 2+ years of experience leading or managing engineering teams; Strong technical background in mechanical design, electromechanical systems, and robotic hardware development; Experience designing end-of-arm tooling, grippers, fixtures, or sensor-integrated robotic systems; Understanding of sensor integration, calibration, mechanical tolerances, and hardware reliability; Experience developing mechanical and electrical interfaces for complex robotic systems; Proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software and PDM-based design workflows; Demonstrated success bringing complex hardware products from concept through production and deployment; Strong technical judgment, project management skills, and ability to balance competing engineering priorities; Passionate about developing engineers, solving complex technical challenges, and building high-performing teams

Nice to have

Experience with robotic manipulation, industrial automation, or advanced manufacturing; Familiarity with imitation learning, demonstration-based learning, or robotic data collection systems; Experience integrating force/torque, tactile, vision, or 3D sensing technologies; Knowledge of design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA), GD&T, and mechanical reliability testing; Experience scaling hardware products in a high-growth robotics or technology environment

Benefits

Daily free lunch; Flexible PTO; Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; 6 weeks fully paid parental leave, plus an additional 6–8 weeks for birthing parents (12–14 weeks total); 401(k) retirement plan through Empower; Generous employee referral bonuses