At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to design and develop innovative hardware systems for robotics.
- Company: Join Paddington Robotics, a pioneering AI research company transforming retail.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible remote work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic startup environment with significant career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping the future of robotics and AI.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in hardware development and leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Paddington Robotics is an applied AI research company solving Physical AI and general purpose robotics. We are bridging the “100,000-year data gap” and the gap between research and real world deployments, starting in supermarket and retail stores. We learn from customer problems to inspire our research direction, with the ultimate goal of delivering impactful and innovative products which our customers love and value.
This is a rare opportunity to join early in the journey and become a key member of the team as we grow. As our first Hardware Engineering Manager, you will be the bridge between visionary product concepts and physical reality. At Paddington Robotics, we move fast and prototype often - speed of iteration is crucial to our success. You will lead a multidisciplinary team of hardware engineers covering mechanical and electrical as well as low-level systems, providing deep technical mentorship, people management and strategic organizational leadership.
We expect the role to evolve as the team grows, initially requiring hands-on work “in the trenches” and supporting the engineers with technical decision making, overseeing both prototyping and manufacturing of our robots, as well as vendors and suppliers. Over time, this role can open new opportunities for growth, particularly in increasing the maturity of the organisation, growing core capabilities and prioritisation of product roadmaps as well as hiring, growth and retention of key talent. This is a full-time on-site role located in London. Some remote work is acceptable for this position (1 day per week).
Who You Are
- T-Shaped Engineering background: You have deep expertise in one core discipline (EE, ME, or Mechatronics) but possess enough breadth to intelligently challenge and support engineers in the other two.
- Startup Veteran: You understand that "done is better than perfect" for a prototype, but you also know when it’s time to harden a design for mass production.
- Resourceful: You’ve managed external vendors, CMs (Contract Manufacturers), and supply chain hurdles with limited budgets and tight timelines.
- Pragmatic Leader: You don't just manage tasks; you manage people. You know how to shield your team from distractions while keeping them accountable to deadlines.
- People person: You have chosen the management path as you see some of the biggest challenges in organisations are people problems, not just technical ones. You follow servant leadership philosophy, and are motivated to develop high-performing teams which are much greater than the sum of its parts. You have a can-do attitude, and would take a bet on yourself to increase the value of any company you join. You believe in win-win outcomes and in growing the size of the pie rather than just maximising your personal slice.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership: Direct the design, development, and testing of complex hardware systems. You’ll ensure high-quality standards whilst also balancing risk/reward and ensuring we can move fast.
- Team Building & Mentorship: Recruit, onboard, and coach a high-performing team. You are responsible for the professional growth of your engineers and fostering a culture of radical candor, peer feedback and technical excellence.
- Cross-Functional Strategy: Partner with Software, Product, and Operations teams to align hardware roadmaps with company-wide milestones.
- Process Architecture: Establish "just enough" process - implementing version control (PLM/PDM), DFM (Design for Manufacturing) standards, and sprint-based hardware development cycles.
- Agile Evolution: Maintain flexibility and pragmaticism. You must be comfortable shifting from hands-on engineering tasks to high-level resource planning as the team grows from 15 to 50+.
Required Qualifications
- Experience: 5+ years in hardware product development. 2-3+ years in a formal leadership and people management capacity.
- Education: BS/MS in Mechanical, Electrical, or Mechatronics Engineering (or equivalent experience).
- Tooling: Proficiency in modern CAD suites (e.g., SolidWorks, OnShape, Fusion 360, Altium, KiCAD) and experience with PLM/ERP systems.
- Full Lifecycle Exposure: You have taken at least one complex physical product from a napkin sketch through to manufacturing and shipping.
Hardware Engineering Manager employer: Paddington Robotics
Paddington Robotics is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of applied AI and robotics in the vibrant city of London. With a strong emphasis on innovation and rapid prototyping, employees are encouraged to take ownership of their projects while benefiting from a collaborative work culture that prioritises mentorship and professional growth. The company not only values technical excellence but also fosters a supportive environment where team members can thrive and contribute to meaningful advancements in technology.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Hardware Engineering Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend meetups, conferences, or even online webinars. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly to hiring managers.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your best projects and achievements. Whether it's prototypes you've built or teams you've led, having tangible evidence of your work can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to hardware engineering. Think about how you can demonstrate your leadership style and problem-solving skills. Remember, they want to see how you think and approach challenges!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Paddington Robotics.
We think you need these skills to ace Hardware Engineering Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for hardware engineering and robotics shine through. We want to see how your experiences align with our mission at Paddington Robotics and how you can contribute to our innovative journey.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in hardware product development and leadership. We’re looking for someone who can bridge the gap between concepts and reality, so showcase your hands-on experience and team management skills.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Hardware Engineering Manager role. Remember, we move fast, so clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the hiring process. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Paddington Robotics
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical knowledge, especially in mechanical and electrical engineering. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on, particularly those that involved prototyping and manufacturing. This will show that you can bridge the gap between concepts and reality.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
Prepare to talk about your management philosophy and how you foster team growth. Share examples of how you've mentored engineers and built high-performing teams. Highlight your experience with servant leadership and how you handle people challenges in a fast-paced environment.
✨Emphasise Agility
Since Paddington Robotics values speed and iteration, be ready to discuss how you've adapted to changing priorities in past roles. Share instances where you've successfully shifted from hands-on tasks to strategic planning, demonstrating your flexibility as a leader.
✨Connect with Their Vision
Research Paddington Robotics and understand their mission to bridge the data gap in robotics. Be prepared to discuss how your background aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to creating innovative products that customers love. This shows you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in their vision.
