Director / VP, Mechanical Engineering & Product Design
$200,000–$350,000 year
On-site · Sunnyvale, California, United States
Job Summary
Director / VP, Mechanical Engineering & Product Design lead the architecture, integration, and delivery of Lyte's robotic hardware platforms across mechanical structures, perception hardware, actuators, thermal systems, optics, and embedded electronics. Own requirements decomposition, subsystem interfaces, ERS, V&V planning, and engineering reviews (PDR/CDR/Build Readiness). Collaborate with AI/perception, electrical, and manufacturing teams to enable world-class autonomy and reliability, drive rapid prototyping, opto-mechanical integration for perception systems (cameras, LiDAR, IMUs), and manage NPI through mass production with external partners. Lead a high-performing team of mechanical, systems integration, and product design engineers; ensure manufacturability, robustness, and platform commonality. On-site role reporting to CTO or SVP of Engineering.
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
- 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
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