Engineering Manager, Hardware Design

pathrobotics; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Path Robotics is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager, Mechanical Engineering & Hardware Design to lead the design and development of mechanical systems for next-generation robotic manipulation products as we expand into factory automation.

You will oversee sensing end‑of‑arm tooling, robotic hardware, and the interfaces connecting robots, sensors, tools, and workpieces, blending hands‑on leadership with strategic direction and cross‑functional execution.

Qualifications

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or related field.
• 7+ years in mechanical engineering, robotics, automation, or industrial hardware.
• 2+ years leading or managing engineering teams.
• Strong background in mechanical design, electromechanical systems, and robotic hardware.
• Experience designing end‑of‑arm tooling, grippers, fixtures, or sensor‑integrated systems.
• Understanding sensor integration, calibration, tolerances, and reliability.
• Experience developing mechanical and electrical interfaces for complex robotic systems.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or CAD and PDM workflows.
• Demonstrated success bringing complex hardware products from concept through production and deployment.

Responsibilities

• Lead 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.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Robotics

Automation

Project Management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor''s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

PDM workflows

Job description

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, Softwar