Hardware Engineering Manager in London

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.