# Robotics Engineering Manager: Systems & Applications

**Company:** [GrayMatter Robotics](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/graymatter-robotics)
**Location:** Carson, CA
**Role:** Engineering Management
**Salary:** $200k – $260k/yr
**Experience:** 6+ years
**Skills:** ROS, Embedded Systems, Robotics, Hardware, Firmware, Software, Full-Stack Development, Automation Systems, Systems Integration, Robotics Systems
**Posted:** 2026-01-13

> Leads a team of systems and applications engineers in robotics, delivering high-quality physical systems, mentoring engineers, and coordinating cross-functionally. Requires 6+ years building complex robotics systems and 2+ years people management with hands-on full-stack expertise including ROS and embedded systems.

## Job Description

## 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

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