Hardware Lead (Principal Hardware Engineer)

h3Our Mission /h3pAt Laelaps AI, we believe robotics is entering a transformative decade, much like the arrival of the internet. Advances in AI, cloud computing, and hardware are reshaping what autonomous systems can do. Our mission is to build the intelligent software that powers physical security in the real world - enabling robots and sensors to handle dangerous and critical tasks that humans shouldn't have to. By engineering the orchestration layer for intelligent security, we aim to create a world that is safer, more secure, and more resilient. /ppWe're a strong founding team based in Zurich, backed by visionary investors and advisors. We are engineering the future of security today! /ph3The Role /h3pAs Hardware Lead, you'll build and own the hardware function at Laelaps AI from the ground up. Today we have deep expertise across AI, autonomy, and software, with zero hardware in-house. You'll change that. /ppYou'll define our hardware strategy across ground, aerial, and stationary platforms, take ownership of the physical robots that run our field foundation models, and grow the hardware team behind you as the company scales. This is a high-leverage role. You'll be the senior hardware voice in the company, working directly with founders to decide what we build, how we source it, and how it survives in the field. /ppExpect to be deeply hands-on for the first year: building, testing, and iterating on real platforms in real conditions, while laying the foundation for a hardware org you'll later lead. /ph3What You'll Own /h3ulliHardware strategy: platform choices (build vs. partner vs. integrate) across ground robots, drones, and stationary sensors. /liliMechanical design: chassis, mounting, and ruggedization for outdoor security deployments. /liliElectrical and electromechanical systems: power, compute, actuation, sensing integration. /liliSensor integration (cameras, LiDAR, IMU, GPS, audio): selection, calibration, and physical integration. /liliManufacturing and supply chain: prototype-to-production pipeline, vendor management, BOM ownership. /liliField reliability: environmental qualification, MTBF, failure analysis, and durability programs. /liliHiring: build the hardware team behind you as the product scales. /li /ulh3Who We're Looking For /h3pWe're looking for an experienced hardware engineer who has shipped real robotic systems into the field, not just prototypes that demoed well. You've seen what breaks at scale, what survives, and what doesn't. You move fast without compromising on reliability, because security customers can't tolerate flaky hardware. /ph3Your Background: /h3ulli8+ years in robotics, autonomous systems, or adjacent hardware, with at least one product taken from prototype into the field. /liliDeep expertise across mechanical, electrical, and systems integration. World‑class in at least one, strong in the others. /liliHands‑on experience taking robots through prototype, DVT, PVT, and into production. /liliTrack record of ruggedizing hardware for outdoor, all‑weather, or harsh environments. /liliExperience managing manufacturing partners and supply chains. /liliStrong systems thinker. You reason cleanly across mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software boundaries. /li /ulh3Nice to Have: /h3ulliExperience across multiple mobile robot form factors (legged, wheeled, aerial). /liliBackground in defense, security, industrial inspection, or other outdoor field robotics domains. /liliFamiliarity with ROS 2 and modern robot bring‑up workflows. /liliPrior experience starting and scaling a hardware team from zero. /li /ulh3What We Offer /h3ulliOwnership: you are the first in line to build and lead the team you help hire. /liliMission: autonomous security that keeps people and critical sites safe, including in defence. /liliCareer path: a ground-floor seat with real runway. Prove your value and you will not have barriers to grow. /liliTeam: work directly with PhD‑level co‑founders in AI, Robotics, and Physics, alongside a strong (and fun) founding team. /liliCompensation: Competitive equity/salary package. /liliCulture: a small, international founding team that is serious about building but does not take itself too seriously. /li /ulpFind Jobs in Switzerland on Arbeitnow /p #J-18808-Ljbffr