Director, Hardware Engineering

Berkshire Grey•Bedford, MA

About The Position

The Director, Hardware Engineering leads development and delivery of hardware platforms for Berkshire Grey’s robotic picking systems. The role manages a multidisciplinary team of 15–20 engineers and translates customer operating needs into robust, scalable electromechanical products, from concept and prototyping through validation, production, and deployment. It calls for deep technical involvement from early brainstorming and design reviews through resolution of onsite issues, while fostering an agile, customer-driven problem-solving environment. The Director leads the development and deployment of robotic picking configurations, core technology components such as end-effectors and tool changers, and larger subsystems such as advanced conveyance systems. The role uses field performance data and customer feedback to prioritize reliability, throughput, and serviceability improvements. It works closely with program management, software, product leadership, customers, corporate partners, Operations, and Supply Chain to deliver products that meet customer and market needs and can be manufactured and supported at scale.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
8+ years of progressive engineering experience developing complex electromechanical products.
3+ years leading multidisciplinary engineering teams comprising experienced engineers.
Proven experience leading products through production at scale.
Experience working with manufacturing partners and supply chains.
Demonstrated success leading cross-functional engineering organizations.
Excellent communication and executive presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading OEM equipment, robotic picking systems, warehouse automation, or industrial robotics.
Experience with pneumatic systems, conveyors, industrial controls, or PLC-based automation.
Experience working with external consultants in areas such as safety, build, or design.
Knowledge of ISO, CE, UL, OSHA, and other applicable safety standards.
Experience with PLM, ERP, and engineering change management systems.
Experience scaling engineering organizations in high-growth technology companies.

Responsibilities

Lead, mentor, and manage a 15–20-person hardware engineering team, including multiple groups and 4–5 direct-report managers or technical leads.
Work with program management, software, and product leadership to address customer and market needs.
Travel to domestic and international customer sites as needed (10–20%).
Partner with software teams on the design and development of robotic pick cells and core technologies.
Lead brainstorming and prototype new ideas to address customer problems on short timelines.
Communicate directly with customers throughout the relationship, from pre-sales through sustaining.
Work with corporate partners to identify customer needs, design solutions, and iterate together.
Promote engineering best practices, design reviews, and technical excellence.
Lead design verification, validation, qualification, and product release activities.
Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulatory requirements, and product safety certifications.
Establish development and execution schedules, resource plans, and project milestones.
Identify technical risks and implement mitigation strategies.
Drive predictable execution while balancing scope, schedule, cost, and quality.
Partner with Operations and Supply Chain to ensure design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-assembly (DFA) standards are met.
Support manufacturing scale-up and continuous improvement initiatives.
Lead engineering support for production issues and field reliability improvements.
Develop and deploy scalable robotic picking configurations, core technology components, and large subsystems based on customer and market needs.
Use field performance data and customer feedback to prioritize improvements in reliability, throughput, and serviceability.