Lead system architecture, mechanical engineering, product design, and integration for robotic hardware platforms. Own requirements, interfaces, verification and validation, design reviews, FMEA, reliability, opto-mechanical integration, simulation, manufacturability, and NPI from prototype through mass production. Partner cross-functionally with AI, perception, electrical, manufacturing, suppliers, and contract manufacturers. Build and lead a high-performing mechanical, systems integration, and product design engineering organization.
About Lyte
Lyte builds perception systems for Physical AI operating in complex environments. The company combines custom silicon, integrated sensors, and software into a unified platform for robotics, mobility, and next-generation automation. Lyte is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with a global presence. For more information, visit www.lyte.ai
If you’re excited about building impactful technology in a dynamic, hands-on environment, we’d love to hear from you!
About the role
- We are building the infrastructure for robotics and Physical AI - systems that must reliably perceive, reason, and operate in the real world at scale. We are seeking a Director / VP of Mechanical Engineering & Product Design to lead the architecture, integration, and delivery of our robotic hardware platforms.
This role sits at the intersection of mechanical engineering, systems engineering, and product development. You will own the end-to-end integration of complex subsystems including mechanical structures, perception hardware, actuators, thermal systems, optics, and embedded electronics into robust, manufacturable products.
You will work closely with AI, perception, electrical, and manufacturing teams to ensure the hardware platform enables world-class autonomy and reliability. This is a deeply technical leadership role for someone who has successfully shipped complex robotic, automotive, or consumer hardware products from concept through mass production.
This is an on-site position. You will report directly to the CTO or to SVP of Engineering.
What you'll do
- Lead system-level architecture, design and integration for robotic and Physical AI platforms across mechanical, optical, sensing, thermal, actuation, and embedded systems
- Own requirements decomposition, subsystem interfaces, and engineering requirement specifications (ERS) across the hardware stack
- Drive system validation and verification (V&V), including test plans, acceptance criteria, field validation, and production qualification
- Establish and lead rigorous engineering review processes including PDRs (Preliminary Design Reviews), CDRs (Critical Design Reviews), and Build Readiness Reviews to ensure technical quality, cross-functional alignment, manufacturability, and execution readiness at every development stage
- Partner with AI and perception teams to translate autonomy and sensing requirements into hardware specifications and system constraints
- Lead system-level FMEA, risk analysis, and mitigation planning for reliability, safety, and performance
- Drive rapid prototyping and integration cycles to accelerate hardware iteration and deployment
- Own opto-mechanical integration for perception systems including cameras, LiDAR, IMUs, vibration isolation, alignment, and thermal stability
- Ensure mechanical excellence across structural integrity, thermal performance, ingress protection, and cable/harness management
- Lead DFM/DFA/DFT initiatives, tolerance analysis, and simulation workflows (FEA, CFD, multibody dynamics)
- Manage NPI execution from EVT through DVT, PVT, and mass production with Tier-1 suppliers and contract manufacturers. Establish handoff process from engineering to operations Org at mass production.
- Drive cost, manufacturability, and platform commonality initiatives across the hardware portfolio
- Build and lead a high-performing team of mechanical, systems integration, and product design engineers
Required Qualifications
- BS/MS/PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Systems Engineering, or related field
- 12+ years of experience developing and shipping complex hardware systems, including 5+ years in engineering leadership
- Proven experience delivering robotic, autonomous, automotive, industrial, or consumer hardware products from concept to production
- Deep expertise in system integration across mechanical, sensing, actuation, thermal, and embedded systems
- Strong background in requirements management, ERS development, V&V, FMEA, and reliability engineering
- Experience leading formal hardware development review processes including PDR, CDR, design freeze, and production readiness reviews
- Hands-on expertise with 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks, NX, CATIA, Creo) and tolerance analysis methodologies
- Experience with DFM/DFA/DFT for precision mechanical assemblies and high-volume manufacturing
- Experience integrating perception hardware including cameras, LiDAR, radar, and IMUs into field-deployed systems
- Proficiency with simulation and analysis tools including FEA, CFD, and multibody dynamics
- Direct experience leading NPI and manufacturing ramp with global suppliers and contract manufacturers
- Strong technical leadership with the ability to remain hands-on when needed
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience shipping humanoid robots, autonomous vehicles, industrial robots, or other advanced robotic systems
- Experience designing for dynamic loading, vibration, fatigue, ingress protection, and robotic field reliability
- Familiarity with automotive and functional safety standards including IATF 16949, APQP, ISO 26262, or IEC 62061
- Experience managing suppliers and manufacturing partners across Asia and Europe
- Track record of building and scaling hardware engineering organizations from early-stage development through volume production
Benefits (subject to location and local regulations)
- Competitive salary and equity
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) retirement plan
- Flexible vacation and time-off policy
- Collaborative, fast-paced, and inclusive work environment
- Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies with a highly cross-functional team
Lyte San Francisco, California, USA Office
San Francisco, CA, United States
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