Prime Robotics is scaling our autonomous warehouse robotics systems and seeking a Principal Hardware Engineer to lead our US-based hardware engineering function. This is a rare opportunity to join as the founding US hardware leader, work directly with the CEO, and build the team as we grow. You'll provide technical leadership for our mechatronics platforms, drive continuous improvement across our product line, and establish engineering excellence as we scale manufacturing and expand our product portfolio. This role will evolve into a VP Hardware Engineering position as the company and team grow. What You'll Do Technical Leadership (Immediate Focus) Lead reliability engineering and continuous improvement initiatives across our deployed robot platforms (RackBot ASRS, MobileShelf AMR, MobilePallet AMR) Conduct root cause analysis on field performance data and drive systematic improvements Provide technical direction and collaborate with our China-based engineering team (2 mechanical, 2 electrical engineers) Optimize designs for manufacturability, cost, and reliability as we transition manufacturing to the US Make critical technical decisions on mechanical and electrical system architecture Product Development & Innovation You'll lead the development of our next-generation product portfolio: Next generation robot platforms - Evolution of our core ASRS and AMR systems Robot forklifts - New autonomous forklift platform for warehouse operations VTU (Vertical Transfer Unit / Elevator system) - Critical subsystem for our ASRS PTU (Pallet Transfer Unit) - Automated pallet handling systems Common architecture and standards - Establish design standards, component libraries, and modular architecture across product line US Manufacturing capability - Lead design-for-manufacturing efforts as we establish domestic production Additional responsibilities: Define sensor selection, integration strategies, and mechatronics architecture Drive DFM (Design for Manufacturing) and DFA (Design for Assembly) principles into all hardware development Support manufacturing transition and scale-up Team Building (Future) Build and lead the US hardware engineering team as the company scales Transition into VP Hardware Engineering role in year 2+ Establish engineering processes, standards, and culture This is a hands-on technical leadership role. You'll be working directly with the CEO, making critical decisions, debugging systems, reviewing designs, and driving solutions - not just delegating to others.