Principal, Systems/Mechanical Engineering

hds· Robotics / Automation
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📍 Boston, MA

About this role

We are seeking a seasoned systems engineering leader to join our team to build the first software defined end-to-end, automated fulfillment system. Be a systems leader that serves as a guidepost for the engineering team as the materials handling industry transforms from mechanical to robotic and software-defined. This is a rare opportunity to get in early and partner with all of our cross-functional departments (mechanical, electrical, controls, and software systems) at the system level to work cohesively together as one single complex system. This is a hands on role tackling complex system design issues at scale with the opportunity to create an unprecedented single end-to-end fulfillment system.

HDS is led by a top-tier team with an impressive track record and backed by prominent investors (see HDSGlobal.com) and industry leaders (see our recent partnerships with Ingram Micro and Toyota).

Responsibilities

  • Develop, track, and be responsible for creating system-level engineering  specifications from market/business requirements
  • Lead a team, consisting of direct and/or matrixed reports
  • Develop complex system/product development plans
  • Find and fill in all the gaps that are not captured uniquely by hardware, software, or controls disciplines
  • Develop interface specifications between system components
  • Create system-level Theory of Operations documents touching on mechanical, electrical, controls, and software
  • Develop system level safety architecture with Head of Controls and Head of Electrical
  • Help architect complex mechatronic and enterprise-level systems
  • Work closely with design engineers during all phases of product development to ensure that the mechanical, electrical, controls, and software systems will operate properly together as a single, complex system
  • Establish system reliability/availability/maintainability metrics
  • Establish standards for development of complex systems and how we will document system interfaces, communication protocols
  • Ensure that products are designed with future needs in mind (e.g., processor selection, motor sizing, board expandability, etc)
  • Conduct system-level design reviews, DFMEA, risk assessments
  • Serve as our expert and go-to person regarding how everything works together
  • Participate in HW and SW design reviews and provide valuable and significant insights
  • Identify system needs/gaps before these create problems; anticipate areas of difficulty that require more attention
  • Lead system-level regulatory and safety compliance efforts

Experience

  • BS in Engineering; mechanical or electrical preferred
  • 15 years working in hardware new product development involving electrical and mechanical assemblies and mechanisms, controls systems, and automation/robotics
  • Ability to get into design details with the rest of the design team, having a deep understanding of mechanical and electrical engineering, with knowledge of controls engineering and software engineering
  • Ability to troubleshoot and diagnose problems with mechatronic systems
  • Experience leading teams, delegating tasks, creating team schedules, and setting priorities
  • Significant knowledge of mechanical design, drawing standards, mechanical tolerances and stack-ups, fabrication techniques
  • Significant knowledge of electronics; ability to understand electrical schematics
  • Experience with optical, proximity, IR, LIDAR, ultrasonic, RFID and other sensing technologies typically used in robotics
  • Solid understanding of the general scope of HW and SW product development activities
  • Understanding of and experience with various safety and regulatory compliance requirements (CE, UL, robot, 13849, 62061, etc)
  • Familiarity with wifi networks
  • Hands-on experience building prototypes
  • Experience with SW development, SQA, release practices; coding experience not needed but a major plus
  • Experience with large-scale industrial automation system implementation a major plus
  • Solidworks experience a  plus; Onshape experience a major plus

Why work here? The big stuff

  • Rocket ship: Get one of the early seats on a rocket ship and receive special stock grants.
  • Autonomy, mastery, purpose: We provide a clear mission so that you can self-direct your work, provide exceptional challenges to hone your skills, and provide an opportunity to transform the supply chain function into a huge competitive advantage.
  • Well-funded: HDS is well funded and can offer above market compensation, depending on desire for equity.

And the usual stuff is carefully planned too

  • Top tier perks: 100% paid for benefits, including medical, dental and vision, plus a host of other benefits.
  • Empowered: We will provide you the most advanced equipment and administrative services to support your productivity and remove hassles for you.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the salary disclosed for the Principal, Systems/Mechanical Engineering position at hds?
The salary for this Principal, Systems/Mechanical Engineering role at hds is not publicly listed. Click "Apply Now" to learn more about the compensation package on their official careers page.
Where is the Principal, Systems/Mechanical Engineering position at hds located?
This Principal, Systems/Mechanical Engineering role at hds is based in Boston, MA. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Which team or department does the Principal, Systems/Mechanical Engineering at hds belong to?
This Principal, Systems/Mechanical Engineering position is part of the Robotics / Automation department at hds. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
How do I apply for the Principal, Systems/Mechanical Engineering position at hds?
Click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be redirected to hds's official application portal hosted on greenhouse where you can submit your application directly.
When was the Principal, Systems/Mechanical Engineering job at hds posted?
This Principal, Systems/Mechanical Engineering position at hds was posted on Aug 22, 2025. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Principal, Systems/Mechanical Engineering
hds
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