• Be responsible for delivering consistently high-quality engineering output and train a team of deeply capable engineers who are known industry-wide for their problem-solving rigor, systems fluency, and collaborative strength
• Set the technical standard and lead by example: architect, debug, build, and launch physical systems
• Adopt a hands-on approach to develop people and systems in parallel
• Break down complex system-level issues across the hardware/software stack and guide others to solve them effectively
• Drill into engineering output to ensure work meets the right level of quality, performance, and long-term maintainability
• Ask the right questions to help others gain insight and move forward confidently
• Serve as a coach and mentor; train engineers in structured problem solving and technical decision-making
• Create onboarding and ongoing learning frameworks for new and existing SAE team members
• Conduct performance reviews and career development conversations with empathy and clarity
• Champion engineering best practices across the team
• Allocate SAE resources dynamically based on cross-functional needs (Project, Product, RDO, Sales, Gov’t, CSS, Marketing)
• Prioritize and coordinate team members’ time in alignment with evolving org-wide priorities
• Communicate team bandwidth, skill alignment, and project risk to the broader org
• Work closely with Product and other stakeholders to ensure clarity in handoffs, timelines, and quality expectations
• Operate as a thought partner to technical and non-technical leaders who rely on SAE as an internal center of expertise

Minimum Qualifications

• BS/MS degree or equivalent years of experience in Robotics, Automation, Advanced Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or related field
• 6+ years experience building and launching complex physical systems (robotics, drones, autonomous vehicles, etc.)
• 2+ years experience managing performance, developing engineers and allocating team resources
• Strong systems thinking with fluency across the full stack: hardware, firmware, software, and integration
• Familiarity with ROS, embedded systems, and full-stack development for robotics or automation systems
• Ability to translate bandwidth, technical risk, and resource needs into actionable decisions
• Track record of training, mentoring, or leveling up teams through direct teaching and role modeling
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across multiple teams
• Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment with quickly changing priorities
• Must secure work authorization in the United States and maintain ongoing work authorization beginning at the time of hire through the entirety of employment

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience leading various distributed/multi-location teams, including external design and manufacturing partners.
• 8+ years experience building and launching complex physical systems (robotics, drones, autonomous vehicles, etc.)
• Prior experience as a Principal Engineer with formal people leadership responsibilities at a high-growth company
• 4+ years managing engineers directly, including performance reviews and career development
• Experience supporting multiple cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, high-growth startup or scaling environment
• Strong organizational agility: able to manage shifting priorities, allocate bandwidth, and balance technical depth with operational decision-making
• Experience standing up or scaling internal training programs, onboarding systems, or technical development tracks
• Recognized internally or externally as a thought leader or technical mentor

GrayMatter Robotics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage and embrace applicants of all backgrounds to apply! GrayMatter Robotics is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. If you believe you require accommodations during the recruiting process, please contact accommodations@graymatter-robotics.com to submit your request. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Compensation for this position includes the base salary range of $200,000 - $220,000 USD plus bonus and equity. We also provide comprehensive benefits and perks which include but are not limited to medical, dental, vision, unlimited PTO, 401(k) plan + employer match, regular offsite events, a discretionary fund for enhancing productivity and so much more! The range listed on job postings reflect the minimum and maximum new hire salary across levels in Los Angeles, CA.