VP of Hardware

VP of Hardware at Seer VP of Hardware at Seer in STANFORD, California Posted in about 17 hours ago.

Type:

full-time

Job Description:

VP of Hardware Engineering - Robotics Systems We are building the next generation of intelligent robotic systems designed to operate reliably in complex real-world environments. Our work spans full-stack robotics - from high-performance mechanical and electrical systems to embedded compute, sensing, and control, integrated with advanced AI foundation models. We are seeking a VP of Hardware Engineering to lead the design, development, and scaling of robotic systems from concept through high-volume production. This is a senior leadership role responsible for building and scaling a world-class hardware organization and delivering robust systems capable of real-world industrial deployment. Robotics has historically been limited by hardware that cannot reliably operate at scale in uncontrolled environments. We are building systems designed to change that. What You'll Do Product & System Leadership Partner with product and research teams to define system requirements and hardware roadmaps Translate product goals into clear engineering specifications and system architectures Own end-to-end hardware strategy across mechanical, electrical, and system design domains Hardware Design & Development Lead development of robotic systems including: Manipulation platforms End-effectors Sensor integration Embedded compute and control systems Ensure systems are robust to real-world conditions including variability, wear, safety, and uptime requirements Execution & Full Product Lifecycle Oversee the full lifecycle from concept through: Prototype development Validation and testing New Product Introduction (NPI) Volume production Build rigorous testing and validation frameworks covering functionality, reliability, and safety Establish engineering processes that enable rapid iteration without compromising quality Manufacturing & Scaling Lead transition from prototype systems to mass production Manage contract manufacturers and key suppliers globally Drive cost optimization, yield improvement, and supply chain resilience Partner with operations and supply chain teams on production scaling strategy Safety, Compliance & Certification Own safety engineering strategy and regulatory compliance Ensure systems meet global certification standards (e.g., CE, ISO, and equivalent requirements) Build processes to ensure safe deployment in real-world environments Build and Lead the Hardware Organization Build and lead a high-performance hardware engineering team across mechanical, electrical, and systems disciplines Establish a strong culture of ownership, execution, and first-principles engineering Drive technical excellence and rapid iteration grounded in real-world feedback What We're Looking For 15+ years of experience in hardware or complex system development Proven track record of bringing complex hardware systems from concept to volume production Deep experience across the full product lifecycle: Requirements definition System architecture Hardware design and development Testing and validation Manufacturing scale-up Strong experience with global supply chains and contract manufacturing Experience leading safety, certification, and compliance efforts Demonstrated ability to build and lead large engineering organizations Strong cross-functional leadership experience working with product and technical teams Preferred Experience Experience building and shipping robotic systems at commercial scale Background in robotics, industrial automation, aerospace, automotive, or consumer electronics hardware Experience with high-reliability systems deployed in real-world environments Familiarity with hardware/software/AI integrated systems Strong systems-thinking approach to complex electromechanical products Why This Role Matters Define and build the hardware foundation for next-generation intelligent robotics at scale Own a full hardware organization with significant autonomy and resources Work at the intersection of robotics, AI, and large-scale physical system deployment Shape the physical systems that will enable intelligent robots in real-world environments About the Company We are a research-driven robotics and AI company focused on building scalable embodied intelligence systems. By combining advances in machine learning, hardware engineering, and systems integration, we aim to bring capable robotic systems into real-world production environments. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.