Director / VP, Mechanical Engineering & Product Design at Lyte AI – Sunnyvale | Jobyssey

About the role

We are building the infrastructure for robotics and Physical AI - systems that must reliably perceive, reason, and operate in the real world at scale. We are seeking a Director / VP of Mechanical Engineering & Product Design to lead the architecture, integration, and delivery of our robotic hardware platforms.
This role sits at the intersection of mechanical engineering, systems engineering, and product development. You will own the end-to-end integration of complex subsystems including mechanical structures, perception hardware, actuators, thermal systems, optics, and embedded electronics into robust, manufacturable products.
You will work closely with AI, perception, electrical, and manufacturing teams to ensure the hardware platform enables world-class autonomy and reliability. This is a deeply technical leadership role for someone who has successfully shipped complex robotic, automotive, or consumer hardware products from concept through mass production.
This is an on-site position. You will report directly to the CTO or to SVP of Engineering.

What you'll do

Lead system-level architecture, design and integration for robotic and Physical AI platforms across mechanical, optical, sensing, thermal, actuation, and embedded systems
Own requirements decomposition, subsystem interfaces, and engineering requirement specifications (ERS) across the hardware stack
Drive system validation and verification (V&V), including test plans, acceptance criteria, field validation, and production qualification
Establish and lead rigorous engineering review processes including PDRs (Preliminary Design Reviews), CDRs (Critical Design Reviews), and Build Readiness Reviews to ensure technical quality, cross-functional alignment, manufacturability, and execution readiness at every development stage
Partner with AI and perception teams to translate autonomy and sensing requirements into hardware specifications and system constraints
Lead system-level FMEA, risk analysis, and mitigation planning for reliability, safety, and performance
Drive rapid prototyping and integration cycles to accelerate hardware iteration and deployment
Own opto-mechanical integration for perception systems including cameras, LiDAR, IMUs, vibration isolation, alignment, and thermal stability
Ensure mechanical excellence across structural integrity, thermal performance, ingress protection, and cable/harness management
Lead DFM/DFA/DFT initiatives, tolerance analysis, and simulation workflows (FEA, CFD, multibody dynamics)
Manage NPI execution from EVT through DVT, PVT, and mass production with Tier-1 suppliers and contract manufacturers. Establish handoff process from engineering to operations Org at mass production.
Drive cost, manufacturability, and platform commonality initiatives across the hardware portfolio
Build and lead a high-performing team of mechanical, systems integration, and product design engineers

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, including 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

Preferred Qualifications

Experience shipping humanoid robots, autonomous vehicles, industrial robots, or other advanced robotic systems
Experience designing for dynamic loading, vibration, fatigue, ingress protection, and robotic field reliability
Familiarity with automotive and functional safety standards including IATF 16949, APQP, ISO 26262, or IEC 62061
Experience managing suppliers and manufacturing partners across Asia and Europe
Track record of building and scaling hardware engineering organizations from early-stage development through volume production

Benefits (subject to location and local regulations)

Competitive salary and equity
Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) retirement plan
Flexible vacation and time-off policy
Collaborative, fast-paced, and inclusive work environment
Opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies with a highly cross-functional team

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