Head of Hardware

Agtonomy; South San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Commuter benefits

FSA

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401k plan

Stock options

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Agtonomy is seeking a Head of Hardware to lead the hardware organization spanning electrical, mechanical and systems engineering. You will build strong OEM partner relationships and drive technically excellent, scalable hardware solutions for autonomous industrial equipment.

You will lead cross-functional teams, shape strategy and ensure seamless integration with software and product efforts while delivering high-performance, manufacturable hardware for the physical world.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in hardware engineering with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Experience bringing hardware products to market from concept to production.
• Familiarity with regulatory compliance and industry quality standards.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the hardware vision, strategy and execution roadmap.
• Build and mentor a multidisciplinary hardware team across electrical, mechanical and systems engineering.
• Partner with software, product, operations and supply chain leaders for integrated delivery.
• Oversee full product lifecycle ensuring performance, cost, reliability and manufacturability.
• Represent the company in technical discussions with OEM partners and regulators.
• Manage relationships with partner OEM engineering leaders and ramp plans.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Hardware engineering

Cross-functional collaboration

Regulatory compliance

Complex systems integration

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical/Electrical/Computer Engineering

Master’s or PhD preferred

Job description

About Us

At Agtonomy, we’re not just building tech—we’re transforming how vital industries get work done. Our Physical AI and fleet services turn heavy machinery into intelligent, autonomous systems that tackle the toughest challenges in agriculture, turf, and beyond. Partnering with industry-leading equipment manufacturers, we’re creating a future where labor shortages, environmental strain and inefficiencies are relics of the past. Our team is a tight-knit group of bold thinkers—engineers, innovators and industry experts—who thrive on turning audacious ideas into reality. If you want to shape the future of industries that matter, this is your shot.

About the Role

As Head of Hardware, you’ll lead and grow the hardware organization, spanning electrical, mechanical and systems engineering. Our hardware products are designed to be OEM factory-fit solutions, so you’ll also be managing outwards and building strong relationships with our tier 1 equipment partners. We're looking for someone who combines technical excellence with strong leadership abilities and strategic thinking. The ideal candidate will be excited about building both great products and great teams, with a passion for building for the physical world.

What you’ll do

• Define and drive the hardware vision, strategy and execution roadmap in alignment with overall company goals.
• Build, lead and mentor a high-performing, multidisciplinary team across electrical, mechanical and systems engineering.
• Partner closely with software, product, operations, test and supply chain leaders to ensure seamless integration across disciplines.
• Oversee full product lifecycle from concept through production, ensuring designs meet performance, cost, reliability and manufacturability requirements.
• Represent the company in technical discussions with partners, regulators and industry bodies.
• Manage relationships with engineering leaders at our partner OEMs including strategic integration planning, supply chain and manufacturing ramp.

What you’ll bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field; Master’s or Ph.D. preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in hardware engineering, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role managing a team.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to operate at both strategic and hands‑on levels.
• Proven track record of successfully bringing hardware products to market.
• Experience with regulatory compliance and quality standards in hardware development.

What makes you a strong fit

• Demonstrated experience scaling manufacturing operations, operationalizing new product introductions, and commercializing hardware products at a previous company.
• Experience working with OEMs in automotive, industrial or consumer electronics.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements and safety standards relevant to autonomy and global operations.
• Experience designing hardware solutions that enable software‑defined vehicles.
• Experience building AI‑enabled products for the physical world.

$200,000 - $275,000 a year

The US base salary range for this full‑time position is $200,000 to $275,000 + equity + benefits + unlimited PTO

The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location, internal equity, and additional factors, including, but not limited to, job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or specialty training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range during the hiring process.

Benefits

• 100% covered medical, dental, and vision for the employee (partner, children, or family is additional)
• Commuter Benefits
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life Insurance
• Short- and Long-Term Disability
• 401k Plan
• Stock Options
• Collaborative work environment working alongside passionate mission‑driven team!

Our interview process is generally conducted in five (5) phases:

1. Phone Screen with Hiring Manager (30 minutes)
2. Technical Evaluation in Domain (1 hour)
3. Technical Evaluation in Domain (1 hour)
4. Panel Interview (Video interviews scheduled with key stakeholders, each interview will be 30 to 60 minutes)