Founding Robotics Hardware Engineer

The Company

Our client is a robotics startup revolutionizing manufacturing through dexterous robotic automation. Their mission is to build advanced systems pushing boundaries in physical intelligence, robotic dexterity, data collection scale, and manufacturing economics. Hardware R&D (Research and Development) occurs in their in-house Vietnam factories, collapsing design, iteration, and deployment into one loop. Our client's hardware operates on active factory floors under real constraints of durability, serviceability, and uptime. Systems must survive repeated human use, industrial environments, and continuous iteration

Position Overview

• Location: Based in Vietnam for the initial 12-24 month R&D and deployment phase; long-term location (U.S., Europe, or Asia) decided collectively by the engineering team.
• Stage: Early hardware development (first prototype through first repeatable systems).
• Reports to: Co-founder / CTO.
• Core mandate: Own the physical execution and robust implementation of dexterous robotic hardware evolving from handheld data collection devices to bimanual robotic arms, through hands-on build, test, and iteration in real manufacturing environments.
• Works closely with: Founding Robotics Hardware Architect.

The Role

Execution anchor for early hardware: transform concepts into robust reality, keeping build-test-learn tight across:

• Handheld data collection gripper
• Actuated version of that gripper
• Bimanual robotic manipulation system with 6-DoF motion

These are successive iterations of the same interaction, sensing, and mechanical design. Keep the build-test-learn loop tight, surfacing practical issues early to support durability, reliability, and uptime.

This is a deeply hands-on role centered on the factory floor. You collaborate closely with the Founding Hardware Architect to build, test, break, and refine hardware through craftsmanship, rigor, and real-world feedback, proposing changes when reality challenges intent.

Join to execute hardware that redefines manufacturing, with deep ownership and close collaboration in a high-velocity environment.

Collaboration Model

Work as a peer with the Founding Robotics Hardware Architect (Engineer ↔ Architect). Early development owned jointly across architecture and implementation. Responsibilities differentiated by focus (coherence vs. execution), but delivery shared.

Embedded firmware, robotic systems, and controls specialists join later; early members cross boundaries for high iteration velocity. Titles start modest, evolving based on ownership and impact, rewarding builders over status.

Core Responsibilities

• Own hands-on execution: building, assembly, wiring, testing, and integration across embodiments.
• Prototype components and full systems from initial concepts to repeatable hardware.
• Integrate sensors: force/torque, cameras, encoders, IMUs, and micro-vibrational.
• Build/test passive handheld and actuated grippers, highlighting differences in behavior, feel, and data.
• Debug mechanical/electrical issues, including failure modes and root causes.
• Optimize ergonomics, durability, and serviceability through real-world use and iteration.
• Run experiments to validate designs and resolve practical uncertainties.
• Collaborate daily with Founding Hardware Architect for rapid, reality-grounded iteration.
• Document builds, failures, revisions, and insights to maintain iteration history.
• Incorporate basic safety features for human-robot interaction during prototyping.
• Challenge impractical designs, proposing alternatives based on test results.
• Coordinate vendors and Asian supply chains for fast component sourcing.
• Ensure hardware reliability under industrial stresses like cycles and environments.
• Support early boundaries for seamless future embedded/controls integration.

Technical Scope

Hands-on across domains (depth grows via building, not required Day 1):

• Mechanical/System Execution: Assembly/teardown flows, tolerances/fasteners/loads in practice, cable routing/strain relief for dynamic environments, ergonomics/fatigue testing, simulation validation (e.g., SolidWorks kinematics, ROS/Gazebo), materials validation for durability (IP-rated, thermal basics).
• Actuation/Force Implementation: Motors/gearboxes/linkages installation, compliance tuning, backdrivability/stall/shock testing, mechanisms under human/motor input.
• Sensors/Integration: Force/torque/load cells bring-up, encoders/cameras/IMUs/micro-vibrational placement/isolation/vibration management/calibration, time-synced data validation for ML.
• Electronics/Embedded Basics: Power distribution setup, noise/grounding mitigation, MCU/SBC tradeoffs, interfaces (CAN/SPI/I2C/USB/Ethernet), dev boards to custom PCBs, basic schematic/layout (KiCad), minimal scripting (Arduino/Python), data logging/export.
• Prototyping/Manufacturing: 3D printing/machining/rapid fabrication, working with imperfect parts/revisions, vendor coordination, Asian supply chains, end-to-end bring-up/debugging, DFM timing.

Ideal Background

• 5+ years taking hardware from concept to robust, repeated-use prototypes (shipped products preferred).
• Strong in robotics/mechatronics/hardware engineering.
• Comfort with fast iteration on incomplete designs.
• Methodical, low-ego approach to collaborative prototyping and resolving tradeoffs.
• Evidence-driven mindset with appreciation for real-world hardware durability.

This Role is Not

• Refinement/production optimization (prove concept; specialists scale later).
• "Work through others" (hands-dirty collaboration).
• Low-agency "just execute" role.

Why Vietnam?

Hardware R&D is based in our client's in-house Vietnam factories, leveraging proximity to Asia's top manufacturing partners and suppliers for rapid prototyping and sourcing. Proximity to Shenzhen and local vendors enables iterations in days, not weeks. By integrating design, build, and deployment into a single environment, our client maximizes speed and learning. Dive into hands-on innovation in a fast-growing manufacturing hub, gaining expertise for global robotics leadership.

Compensation & Relocation

• Base: US$80,000-160,000 per annum (flexible salary/equity).
• Equity: 0.75%-1.75%, 4-year vest/1-year cliff; refreshers on milestones.
• Relocation: Visa/legal assistance (work/dependent visas, tax), flights/return trips, family support.

Apply if you thrive in high-agency, collaborative hardware environments. Individuals or pre-existing duos are welcome. Please send your resume, a brief note on your interest in this system evolution, and a portfolio of relevant hardware work.