Staff Mechanical Engineer, Technical Lead

Build the Path ForwardAt 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 togetherWe're looking for a Technical Lead to guide our team's contribution to Path's manipulation products as we expand from autonomous welding into factory automation. On our Sensing and Embodied Intelligence team, you'll set direction for sensing end-of-arm tooling, the physical interfaces between robots, tools, sensors, and parts, and the tasks we design to train manipulation models.This is a hands-on leadership role. You'll define architecture, make the hard tradeoff calls and build hardware yourself.What You'll DoTechnical DirectionOwn the technical roadmap for sensing end-of-arm tooling, physical interfaces, and training task designTranslate product goals and model training needs into hardware requirements and interface specificationsLead design reviews and set standards for robustness, serviceability, and manufacturabilityIdentify technical risks early and retire them before they reach the fieldSensing End-of-Arm ToolingLead the design of end-of-arm tooling that integrates cameras, 3D, force/torque, tactile, and proximity sensorsDefine sensor placement, calibration, and mounting that hold accuracy under vibration, heat, spatter, dust, and repeated contactDrive tooling from concept through production releasePhysical InterfacesDefine mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces between robots, tools, tool changers, sensors, fixtures, and workpiecesEstablish standards that let tools and sensors be swapped, serviced, and reused across platformsAlign physical interfaces with hardware abstraction, calibration, and control architectureTask Design for Model TrainingDesign the tasks, fixtures, parts, and environments used to collect demonstration and training dataDefine task variation, difficulty, and success criteria that represent real industrial workPartner with ML engineers to connect task design to model performanceHow You DeliverOwn the full lifecycle — requirements, design, prototyping, validation, deployment, and improvementAlign hardware with product goals across mechanical, electrical, software, and ML teamsMentor engineers and build sound engineering judgment across the teamWork with vendors, suppliers, and our shop to turn designs into hardware — fastDrive root cause analysis and design improvements from field and reliability dataWhat We're Looking ForDegree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field, or equivalent experience7+ years in robotics, automation, or industrial hardware development, with systems deployed in the real worldA track record leading the technical direction of a hardware product or subsystem from concept through deploymentDeep experience designing end-of-arm tooling, grippers, or sensor-integrated robotic payloadsStrong grasp of how mechanical design affects sensor calibration and performanceExperience defining interfaces in electromechanical systems: connectors, cabling, tool changers, and communication protocolsFamiliarity with imitation or demonstration-based learning and how data collection design affects model resultsProficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent CAD with PDM-based release workflowsWhy You’ll Love Working HereCompetitive salary and equity in a well-funded, high-growth robotics companyComprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits401(k)Flexible PTOHands-on, collaborative cultureWho We AreAt 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 RequirementsThis 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