Robotics Engineering Manager: Systems & Applications

Role & Responsibilities

• Be responsible for delivering consistently high-quality engineering output and train a team of deeply capable engineers who are known industry-wide for their problem-solving rigor, systems fluency, and collaborative strength
• Set the technical standard and lead by example: architect, debug, build, and launch physical systems
• Adopt a hands-on approach to develop people and systems in parallel
• Break down complex system-level issues across the hardware/software stack and guide others to solve them effectively
• Drill into engineering output to ensure work meets the right level of quality, performance, and long-term maintainability
• Ask the right questions to help others gain insight and move forward confidently
• Serve as a coach and mentor; train engineers in structured problem solving and technical decision-making
• Create onboarding and ongoing learning frameworks for new and existing SAE team members
• Conduct performance reviews and career development conversations with empathy and clarity
• Champion engineering best practices across the team
• Allocate SAE resources dynamically based on cross-functional needs (Project, Product, RDO, Sales, Gov’t, CSS, Marketing)
• Prioritize and coordinate team members’ time in alignment with evolving org-wide priorities
• Communicate team bandwidth, skill alignment, and project risk to the broader org
• Work closely with Product and other stakeholders to ensure clarity in handoffs, timelines, and quality expectations
• Operate as a thought partner to technical and non-technical leaders who rely on SAE as an internal center of expertise

Minimum Qualifications

• BS/MS degree or equivalent years of experience in Robotics, Automation, Advanced Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or related field
• 6+ years experience building and launching complex physical systems (robotics, drones, autonomous vehicles, etc.)
• 2+ years experience managing performance, developing engineers and allocating team resources
• Strong systems thinking with hands-on technical experience across the full stack: hardware, firmware, software, and integration
• Familiarity with ROS, embedded systems, and full-stack development for robotics or automation systems
• Ability to translate bandwidth, technical risk, and resource needs into actionable decisions
• Track record of training, mentoring, or leveling up teams through direct teaching and role modeling
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across multiple teams
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment with quickly changing priorities

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading various distributed/multi-location teams, including external design and manufacturing partners
• 8+ years experience building and launching complex physical systems (robotics, drones, autonomous vehicles, etc.)
• Prior experience as a Principal Engineer with formal people leadership responsibilities at a high-growth company
• 4+ years managing engineers directly, including performance reviews and career development
• Experience supporting multiple cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, high-growth startup or scaling environment
• Strong organizational agility: able to manage shifting priorities, allocate bandwidth, and balance technical depth with operational decision-making
• Experience standing up or scaling internal training programs, onboarding systems, or technical development tracks
• Recognized internally or externally as a thought leader or technical mentor

Compensation & Benefits

• Compensation may include base salary range, bonus or commission, and equity
• Comprehensive benefits: medical, dental, vision, unlimited PTO, 401(k) + employer match, regular offsite events, discretionary fund for productivity