Director, Robotic Fleet Hardware

Location: USA Wilmington, MA - ITC

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

Who we are

With its A.I.-powered robotic technology platform, Symbotic is changing the way consumer goods move through the supply chain. Intelligent software orchestrates advanced robots in a high-density, end-to-end system – reinventing warehouse automation for increased efficiency, speed and flexibility.

What we need

We are seeking a Director, Robotic Fleet Hardware that will serve as the principal technical leader to develop and drive significant improvements to the hardware deployed in Symbotic’s fleet. This role drives the technical excellence, reliability, and cost competitiveness of bots operating across customer sites, while serving as the primary technical interface with our largest customers. Scope includes leading cross-functional initiatives to dramatically improve bot performance, reduce field incidents, and optimize lifecycle costs.

What we do

The Bot Hardware organization is at the forefront of designing and developing state-of-the-art mechanical solutions for industrial automation. We focus on the creation of large-scale capital equipment, integrating advanced robotic systems and mechanical structures tailored for robust industrial applications. Our engineers, guided by a seasoned leadership, are deeply involved in the entire lifecycle of product development, from conceptualization to deployment, ensuring that our innovative designs meet practical, real-world needs.

What you’ll do

Customer & Field Leadership

• Serve as the primary technical advisor to key customers on deployed bot hardware performance.

• Partner closely with Manufacturing and Purchasing to resolve field issues and drive continuous improvement.

• Visit customer sites regularly to assess fleet performance and support field-level solutions.

• Work directly with customer engineering teams to translate operational data into hardware improvements.

Technical Strategy & Performance

• Own fleet-level performance analysis using field data and operational metrics to identify systemic issues.

• Lead bot hardening initiatives to improve reliability and reduce failures in deployed systems.

• Drive rapid, high-impact improvements that can be deployed quickly without sacrificing rigor.

Cost Optimization & Value Engineering

• Lead cross-functional cost reduction efforts on current bot designs while maintaining performance and reliability.

• Drive should-cost analysis, design-for-manufacturability, and supply chain optimization.

• Develop business cases for retrofit and lifecycle improvements across the deployed 20,000+ bot fleet.

Quality & Investigation Leadership

• Lead critical field incident investigations using structured root cause methodologies.

• Coordinate cross-functional teams to drive containment, corrective actions, and prevention.

• Present clear executive-level updates on incidents, risks, and fleet-wide implications.

Strategic Influence & Leadership

• Act as the internal authority on current-model bot hardware and field performance.

• Ensure field learnings inform next-generation product designs.

• Mentor and develop engineers, raising the bar on technical rigor and problem solving.

What you’ll need

• Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics, or related field required

• MBA or Ph.D preferred

• Minimum 15 years leading complex hardware systems in robotics, automotive, or similar industries, with direct ownership of fielded products at scale.

• Strong background in hardware systems design, reliability engineering, failure mode analysis, and electromechanical integration, using field data to drive performance improvements.

• Proven ability to deliver cost reductions through value engineering, design for manufacturability, and supply chain optimization while maintaining quality.

• Demonstrated experience using structured quality tools and root cause methodologies such as 8D, Six Sigma, and 5 Whys to investigate field issues, drive corrective actions, and prevent recurrence in complex hardware systems.

• Influential technical leader who operates hands-on, communicates clearly with executives and customers, and balances near-term field issues with long-term product strategy.

• This role must be based in our Wilmington, MA Innovation Test Center (ITC).  Relocation support is available.

Our environment

• Up to 40% of regular travel may be required to customer sites and manufacturing facilities. Employees must have a valid driver’s license and the ability to drive and/or fly to client and other customer locations. 

• The employee is responsible for owning a credit card and managing expenses personally to be reimbursed on a bi-weekly basis. 

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About Symbotic

Symbotic is an automation technology leader reimagining the supply chain with its end-to-end, AI-powered robotic and software platform. Symbotic reinvents the warehouse as a strategic asset for the world’s largest retail, wholesale, and food & beverage companies. Applying next-gen technology, high-density storage and machine learning to solve today's complex distribution challenges, Symbotic enables companies to move goods with unmatched speed, agility, accuracy and efficiency. As the backbone of commerce the Symbotic platform transforms the flow of goods and the economics of supply chain for its customers. For more information, visit www.symbotic.com.

 

We are a community of innovators, collaborators and pioneers who embrace our differences, because we know unique perspectives make us stronger and smarter. Every perspective matters. We depend on the collective voices of our employees, customers and community to help guide us as we build a better place to work – for you and the world. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer. 

We do not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or genetic information. 

The base range for this position in the posted location is $224,000.00 - $308,000.00 however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, 401K, PTO and/or other benefits.