Staff Mechanical Engineer, Technical Lead

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 a Technical Lead to guide our team's contribution to Path's manipulation products as we expand from autonomous welding into factory automation. On our Sensing and Embodied Intelligence team, you'll set direction for sensing end-of-arm tooling, the physical interfaces between robots, tools, sensors, and parts, and the tasks we design to train manipulation models. This is a hands-on leadership role. You'll define architecture, make the hard tradeoff calls and build hardware yourself. What You'll Do Technical Direction - Own the technical roadmap for sensing end-of-arm tooling, physical interfaces, and training task design - Translate product goals and model training needs into hardware requirements and interface specifications - Lead design reviews and set standards for robustness, serviceability, and manufacturability - Identify technical risks early and retire them before they reach the field Sensing End-of-Arm Tooling - Lead the design of end-of-arm tooling that integrates cameras, 3D, force/torque, tactile, and proximity sensors - Define sensor placement, calibration, and mounting that hold accuracy under vibration, heat, spatter, dust, and repeated contact - Drive tooling from concept through production release Physical Interfaces - Define mechanical, electrical, and data interfaces between robots, tools, tool changers, sensors, fixtures, and workpieces - Establish standards that let tools and sensors be swapped, serviced, and reused across platforms - Align physical interfaces with hardware abstraction, calibration, and control architecture Task Design for Model Training - Design the tasks, fixtures, parts, and environments used to collect demonstration and training data - Define task variation, difficulty, and success criteria that represent real industrial work - Partner with ML engineers to connect task design to model performance How You Deliver - Own the full lifecycle — requirements, design, prototyping, validation, deployment, and improvement - Align hardware with product goals across mechanical, electrical, software, and ML teams - Mentor engineers and build sound engineering judgment across the team - Work with vendors, suppliers, and our shop to turn designs into hardware — fast - Drive root cause analysis and design improvements from field and reliability data What We're Looking For - Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field, or equivalent experience - 7+ years in robotics, automation, or industrial hardware development, with systems deployed in the real world - A track record leading the technical direction of a hardware product or subsystem from concept through deployment - Deep experience designing end-of-arm tooling, grippers, or sensor-integrated robotic payloads - Strong grasp of how mechanical design affects sensor calibration and performance - Experience defining interfaces in electromechanical systems: connectors, cabling, tool changers, and communication protocols - Familiarity with imitation or demonstration-based learning and how data collection design affects model results - Proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent CAD with PDM-based release workflows Why You’ll Love Working Here - Competitive salary and equity in a well-funded, high-growth robotics company - Comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits - 401(k) - Flexible PTO - Hands-on, collaborative culture Who We Are At Path Robotics we love coming to work to solve interesting and tough challenges but also because our ideas are welcomed and valued. We encourage unique thinking and are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process or any part of the hiring process, please contact [email protected]. We are committed to providing equal access and will work with qualified individuals to ensure a fair and accessible hiring experience. We will respond to your request within 48 hours. Regulatory and Compliance Requirements This position may support work performed under U.S. Government contracts and requires compliance with applicable federal regulations, including FAR and DFARS where applicable. The role may involve access to export-controlled information subject to ITAR and/or EAR. Candidates must be able to comply with U.S. export control regulations, which may include meeting the definition of a “U.S. Person” where required. This position may also involve handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and requires adherence to company and federal data protection and confidentiality standards. Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check consistent with applicable requirements