Founding Hardware Engineer

About the role

WhyHireWrong? is a well‑funded robotics startup in Zurich building the intelligence layer for physical‑security robots. As a founding hardware engineer you will create the hardware function from the ground up, shaping strategy, platforms, vendors and the future team.

Key responsibilities

• Define hardware strategy across all robot platforms (ground, aerial, stationary).
• Lead mechanical design, electrical system architecture and sensor integration (LiDAR, cameras, IMU, GPS, audio).
• Own the prototype‑to‑production pipeline, including DVT, PVT, field qualification and vendor relationships.
• Drive reliability, environmental qualification and failure‑analysis programs for harsh outdoor conditions.
• Build and scale the hardware team as the company grows.

Required profile

• 8+ years of experience in robotics or closely related hardware engineering.
• Successfully shipped at least one complex robotic system from prototype to field production.
• Hands‑on expertise across mechanical, electrical and systems integration (world‑class in one, solid in the others).
• Proven track record ruggedizing hardware for outdoor or harsh environments.
• Experience managing contract manufacturers, supply chains and BOMs.
• Ability to reason across mechanical, electrical, firmware and software boundaries.

Required skills

• Mechanical design
• Electrical systems engineering
• Sensor integration (LiDAR, cameras, IMU, GPS, audio)
• Prototype‑to‑production pipeline management
• Contract manufacturing and supply‑chain coordination
• Bill‑of‑materials (BOM) management
• Ruggedization for outdoor use
• ROS 2 (nice to have)