Head of Robotics

We are seeking a Head of Robotics and Hardware to lead robotics engineering, mechanical engineering, and manufacturing/fabrication. This is a highly visible leadership role with significant technical influence, with overall project ownership for TerraClear's next-generation autonomous mapping systems.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team of robotics engineers, mechanical engineers, and manufacturing/fabrication specialists
• Set technical direction for hardware and robotics development in alignment with company goals
• Architect, design, and implement novel robotics systems for controlling autonomous ground-based rovers in farm fields at relatively high speeds
• Collaborate with the product team to clarify system requirements and translate them into actionable engineering plans, while also engaging with end users (farmers) to more fully appreciate the nuances of their challenges
• Oversee and/or actively participate in the selection, integration, and validation of sensing systems, mechanical components, and enabling technologies
• Stay at the forefront of robotics and hardware technologies, guiding strategic R&D and solving complex technical challenges hands-on
• Develop and oversee component, subsystem, and full-system testing and validation plans
• Build, integrate, and test prototypes in both lab and field environments
• Ensure that these combined efforts result in products and capabilities that will achieve commercial success, working hand in hand with our product team and external partner through product validation and launch
• Attract and retain top technical talent
Contribute directly as hands-on robotics engineer as time allows

What we're looking for:

Required Qualifications:

• 7+ years' experience developing and commercializing full-stack robotics systems, with leadership responsibility for multidisciplinary teams
• Bachelor's degree (MS or PhD preferred) in Robotics, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field — or equivalent experience
• Strong knowledge of robotics fundamentals: planning, localization, navigation, trajectory control, sensor fusion, and state estimation, with deep expertise in one of more of these aspects
• Significant software development experience in C++, Rust or Python; expertise in ROS or similar robotics frameworks
• Demonstrated experience as hands-on project manager of complex, multi-disciplinary project
• Experience architecting complex robotics systems in real-world environments (preferably in agriculture, construction, transportation or logistics)
• Experience with modern software engineering practices (Linux-based development, continuous integration with github actions, code reviews, unit testing)
• Proven ability to lead both hardware and software teams through the full development lifecycle
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders and successfully commercializing at least one robotics product

Bonus Skills:

• Field robotics experience (AGVs, UAVs, USVs, or UUVs)
• Familiarity with communication protocols (CANBUS, TCP/UDP, wireless)
• Embedded systems and real-time application development
• Simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing
• Experience with hydraulic and electrical actuators
• Mechanical design and prototyping experience
• Knowledge of control theory (linear and nonlinear systems).