Engineering Manager, Hardware Design

Path Robotics • Columbus, OH

4d

About The Position

Path Robotics is seeking an experienced Engineering Manager, Mechanical Engineering & Hardware Design to lead the design and development of mechanical systems for its next generation of robotic manipulation products as the company expands into factory automation. As part of the Sensing and Embodied Intelligence team, this hands-on leadership role oversees engineers working on sensing end-of-arm tooling, robotic hardware, and physical interfaces that connect robots, sensors, tools, and workpieces. The position combines mechanical engineering expertise with people management, technical strategy, and cross-functional execution, helping define engineering direction and deliver reliable, scalable hardware from concept through deployment.

The role partners with ML, Robotics, Software, and Electrical Engineering teams to translate product and model-training needs into hardware solutions. It oversees the hardware development lifecycle, from requirements and prototyping through testing, validation, production release, and deployment, and works with vendors, suppliers, and internal manufacturing teams. The position also supports the development of tasks, fixtures, and environments for collecting robotic manipulation training data.

The position may support work under U.S. Government contracts and requires compliance with applicable federal regulations, including FAR and DFARS where applicable. It may involve access to export-controlled information subject to ITAR and/or EAR, and handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). Candidates must be able to comply with applicable U.S. export control regulations, which may include meeting the definition of a “U.S. Person” where required. Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a background check consistent with applicable requirements.

Requirements

• Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
• 7+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, robotics, automation, or industrial hardware development.
• 2+ years of experience leading or managing engineering teams.
• Strong technical background in mechanical design, electromechanical systems, and robotic hardware development.
• Experience designing end-of-arm tooling, grippers, fixtures, or sensor-integrated robotic systems.
• Understanding of sensor integration, calibration, mechanical tolerances, and hardware reliability.
• Experience developing mechanical and electrical interfaces for complex robotic systems.
• Proficiency in SolidWorks or equivalent CAD software and PDM-based design workflows.
• Demonstrated success bringing complex hardware products from concept through production and deployment.
• Strong technical judgment, project management skills, and ability to balance competing engineering priorities.
• Ability and interest in developing engineers, solving complex technical challenges, and building high-performing teams.
• Ability to comply with applicable U.S. export control regulations, which may include meeting the definition of a “U.S. Person” where required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with robotic manipulation, industrial automation, or advanced manufacturing.
• Familiarity with imitation learning, demonstration-based learning, or robotic data collection systems.
• Experience integrating force/torque, tactile, vision, or 3D sensing technologies.
• Knowledge of design for manufacturing and assembly (DFMA), GD&T, and mechanical reliability testing.
• Experience scaling hardware products in a high-growth robotics or technology environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of mechanical engineers, providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and career development.
• Own engineering priorities, resource planning, and execution of mechanical hardware development initiatives.
• Oversee the design and development of sensing end-of-arm tooling, robotic components, fixtures, and electromechanical systems.
• Drive integration of cameras, 3D sensors, force/torque sensors, tactile sensors, and other sensing technologies into robotic hardware.
• Define mechanical and physical interfaces between robots, tools, sensors, fixtures, and workpieces.
• Lead technical design reviews and establish standards for reliability, manufacturability, serviceability, and system performance.
• Partner with ML, Robotics, Software, and Electrical Engineering teams to translate product and model-training requirements into hardware solutions.
• Support the design of tasks, fixtures, and environments used to collect robotic manipulation training data.
• Oversee hardware development from requirements and prototyping through testing, validation, production release, and deployment.
• Work with vendors, suppliers, and internal manufacturing teams to accelerate hardware development.
• Drive root-cause analysis, continuous improvement, and resolution of technical challenges identified during testing and field deployment.
• Support hiring, team development, and establishment of scalable engineering processes as Path grows.

Benefits

• Daily free lunch.
• Flexible PTO.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 6 weeks of fully paid parental leave, plus an additional 6–8 weeks for birthing parents (12–14 weeks total).
• 401(k) retirement plan through Empower.
• Employee referral bonuses.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior