Hardware Lead

As the Hardware Lead you will create and own the company's hardware function from scratch. The firm combines deep AI, autonomy and software expertise to deliver intelligent security robots, but currently lacks any in‑house hardware capability. Reporting directly to the founders, you will shape the hardware roadmap for ground, aerial and stationary platforms and become the senior hardware voice within a fast‑growing, Zurich‑based startup backed by visionary investors. Your day‑to‑day will involve defining platform strategies, deciding whether to build, partner or integrate components, while designing chassis, mounting solutions and ruggedisation for outdoor security deployments. You will integrate power, compute, actuation and sensor suites (cameras, LiDAR, IMU, GPS, audio), manage the prototype‑to‑production pipeline, oversee vendor relationships and bill‑of‑materials ownership, and run field‑reliability programmes such as environmental qualification, MTBF analysis and failure investigations. In the first year you will be hands‑on, building, testing and iterating real robots in harsh conditions, then gradually transition to leading the hardware team as the organisation scales. The role requires at least eight years of experience in robotics, autonomous systems or related hardware fields, with a proven record of shipping a complex robotic system from prototype to real‑world production. You must have demonstrated ruggedisation of hardware for outdoor or harsh environments and possess deep, hands‑on expertise across mechanical, electrical and systems integration, being world‑class in at least one discipline. Direct experience taking robots through prototype, Design Validation Test (DVT) and Production Validation Test (PVT) stages, as well as managing manufacturing partners and supply chains, is essential. The ideal candidate thrives in a 0‑to‑1 setting, enjoys both building and strategic planning, and is comfortable being the sole hardware expert initially. Additional assets include experience with multiple mobile robot form factors such as legged, wheeled or aerial platforms, a background in defence, security or industrial inspection domains, familiarity with ROS 2 and modern robot bring‑up workflows, and prior experience establishing and scaling a hardware team from zero. The position is fully on‑site in Zürich, Switzerland, with visa and relocation assistance provided and limited flexibility for genuine needs. You will join a small, international founding team that values curiosity, hands‑on building and a light‑hearted culture while tackling high‑impact security challenges. What the role asks for: - 8+ years experience in robotics or related hardware - Shipped a complex robotic system to production - Proven ruggedisation of hardware for harsh environments - Deep hands‑on expertise in mechanical, electrical or systems integration - Experience taking robots through prototype, DVT and PVT stages - Managed manufacturing partners and supply chains - Nice‑to‑have: worked with legged, wheeled and aerial robots - Nice‑to‑have: background in defence, security or industrial inspection - Nice‑to‑have: familiarity with ROS 2 and robot bring‑up workflows - Nice‑to‑have: started and scaled a hardware team from zero