Hardware Lead (Principal Hardware Engineer)

The Hardware Lead role at Laelaps AI involves building and leading the hardware function from scratch. Laelaps AI focuses on developing intelligent software for physical security, enabling robots and sensors to handle critical tasks autonomously. The company aims to create a safer, more secure world through advanced AI, cloud computing, and hardware innovations. The main day-to-day responsibilities include defining the hardware strategy for various platforms, such as ground robots, drones, and stationary sensors. This involves mechanical design, electrical and electromechanical systems, sensor integration, and manufacturing processes. The role also includes ensuring field reliability through environmental qualification and durability programs. Additionally, the Hardware Lead will be responsible for hiring and growing the hardware team as the company scales. To qualify for this role, candidates must have at least eight years of experience in robotics, autonomous systems, or related hardware fields, with a proven track record of taking products from prototype to production. Deep expertise in mechanical, electrical, and systems integration is required, with world-class skills in at least one of these areas. Hands-on experience in ruggedizing hardware for outdoor environments and managing manufacturing partners and supply chains is essential. Strong systems thinking and the ability to reason across mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software boundaries are also crucial. Nice-to-have skills include experience with multiple mobile robot form factors, a background in defense or security robotics, familiarity with ROS 2 and modern robot bring-up workflows, and prior experience in starting and scaling a hardware team. The location in Zurich offers a dynamic and international team environment, with opportunities for significant growth and impact. What the role asks for: - 8+ years in robotics, autonomous systems, or adjacent hardware, with at least one product taken from prototype into the field. - Deep expertise across mechanical, electrical, and systems integration. World-class in at least one, strong in the others. - Hands-on experience taking robots through prototype, DVT, PVT, and into production. - Track record of ruggedizing hardware for outdoor, all-weather, or harsh environments. - Experience managing manufacturing partners and supply chains. - Strong systems thinker. You reason cleanly across mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software boundaries. - Experience across multiple mobile robot form factors (legged, wheeled, aerial) (nice to have). - Background in defense, security, industrial inspection, or other outdoor field robotics domains (nice to have). - Familiarity with ROS 2 and modern robot bring-up workflows (nice to have). - Prior experience starting and scaling a hardware team from zero (nice to have).