Robotics, Industrial Automation, Artificial Intelligence, Manufacturing

Engineering Manager, Hardware Design

Columbus, OHOnsiteFull TimeManager / HeadPosted 7 days agoVisa sponsorship available

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Required skills

mechanical design
robotics
automation
industrial hardware development
engineering manager
hardware development
mechanical engineers
technical strategy
cross-functional execution
engineering direction

Nice to have

robotic manipulation
industrial automation
advanced manufacturing
imitation learning
demonstration-based learning
robotic data collection systems

Role summary

Path Robotics is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager for Mechanical Engineering & Hardware Design to lead the design and development of mechanical systems for their AI-driven robotic manipulation products. This hands-on leadership role involves managing a team of mechanical engineers, defining technical strategy, and overseeing the full hardware development lifecycle from concept to deployment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in mechanical engineering, robotics, and hardware development, with at least 7 years of experience in the field and 2 years in team leadership. Responsibilities include mentoring engineers, driving hardware initiatives, integrating sensors, and ensuring reliability and manufacturability. Experience with CAD software and bringing complex hardware products to production is essential. The role emphasizes technical leadership, people development, and execution focus within a collaborative, fast-paced environment.

Build the Path Forward

At Path Robotics, we’re building the future of embodied intelligence. Our AI-driven systems enable robots to adapt, learn, and perform in the real world closing the skilled labor gap and transforming industries. We go beyond traditional methods, combining perception, reasoning, and control to deliver field-ready AI that is risk-aware, reliable, and continuously improving through real-world use.

Big, hard problems are our everyday work, and our team of intelligent, humble, and driven people make the impossible possible together.

We're looking for an experienced Engineering Manager, Mechanical Engineering & Hardware Design to lead the design and development of mechanical systems supporting Path's next generation of robotic manipulation products as we expand into factory automation.

As part of our Sensing and Embodied Intelligence team, you'll 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 that combines deep mechanical engineering expertise with people management, technical strategy, and cross-functional execution. You'll help define engineering direction, develop high-performing teams, and deliver reliable, scalable hardware solutions from concept through deployment.

What You’ll Do

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.

Who You Are

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.

What Will Make You Successful at Path

Technical Leader: You bring deep mechanical engineering expertise and sound technical judgment.

People Developer: You enjoy mentoring engineers, building strong teams, and helping others grow.

Hands-On: You're comfortable diving into design challenges and working alongside your team.

Execution-Focused: You balance innovation with delivering reliable, production-ready hardware.

Collaborative: You build strong partnerships across Mechanical, Electrical, Robotics, Software, and ML teams.

Adaptable: You thrive in a fast-paced environment where technical challenges and priorities continuously evolve.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

Daily free lunch to keep you fueled and connected with the team

Flexible PTO so you can take the time you need, when you need it

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—help us grow our team!

Who We Are

At Path Robotics we love coming to work to solve interesting and tough challenges but also because our ideas are welcomed and valued. We encourage unique thinking and are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process or any part of the hiring process, please contact HR@path-robotics.com. We are committed to providing equal access and will work with qualified individuals to ensure a fair and accessible hiring experience. We will respond to your request within 48 hours.

Regulatory and Compliance Requirements

This position may support work performed under U.S. Government contracts and requires compliance with applicable federal regulations, including FAR and DFARS where applicable.

The role may involve access to export-controlled information subject to ITAR and/or EAR.

Candidates must be able to comply with U.S. export control regulations, which may include meeting the definition of a “U.S. Person” where required.

This position may also involve handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and requires adherence to company and federal data protection and confidentiality standards. Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check consistent with applicable requirements

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