Head of Engineering

I’m partnering with an ambitious early-stage robotics company in California, that is developing advanced robotic systems for use in complex, real-world environments. This role will be based in the Bay Area, with some travel to Los Angeles (relocation package available).This is very much a player-coach Head of Engineering role. You’ll remain close enough to the technology to challenge assumptions and support technical decision-making, while taking ownership of how the engineering organisation operates and scales.Responsibilities; Leading and developing a multidisciplinary robotics engineering team.Building the engineering processes, operating rhythms and structure required as the company scales.Improving planning, prioritisation and execution across complex hardware and software programmes.Establishing robust approaches to systems engineering, testing, validation and technical documentation.Working closely with the founders and engineering team to challenge technical assumptions and improve decision-making.Helping translate commercial and customer requirements into realistic engineering priorities.Recruiting and developing the next generation of engineering talent.Remaining close enough to the technical work to validate estimates, identify risks and unblock the team.Successful applicants will have the following experience;Strong experience within robotics, autonomous systems or another highly complex multidisciplinary engineering environment.C++, ROS/ROS2, Python, simulation, CAD and HIL experience.Previous experience building or scaling engineering teams within an early-stage technology business.5+ years of engineering leadership experience.A strong systems engineering mindset, particularly around testing, validation, reliability and requirements.Enough technical depth across robotics hardware and software to credibly challenge engineers and contribute to technical decisions.If this role is of interest, please apply directly through this advert. For applicants that meet the relevant criteria, sponsorship is available.