Principal Hardware Systems Engineer

As a Principal Hardware Systems Engineer, you’ll define and scale the hardware and automation systems that power high-volume fulfillment operations. You’ll lead the technical architecture behind complex electromechanical platforms, partnering across Software Engineering, Product, Operations, and external vendors to deliver reliable, production-ready systems at scale. In this role, you’ll drive the integration of hardware and software across mission-critical automation workflows while shaping long-term platform strategy, standardization, and system performance. You’ll play a key role in solving complex operational challenges and advancing the next generation of fulfillment automation infrastructure.

• Define end-to-end architecture for hardware and automation systems across fulfillment and operational workflows.
• Lead technical decision-making across electromechanical systems, ensuring scalability, reliability, maintainability, and production readiness.
• Partner with external vendors, contractors, and system integrators to guide development, review technical designs, and validate delivery quality.
• Translate operational and product requirements into technical specifications, validation plans, test procedures, and system acceptance criteria.
• Drive reliability and observability initiatives across production systems, including telemetry, diagnostics, root cause analysis, and performance optimization.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Software Engineering, Product, and Operations teams to support seamless hardware and software integrations.
• Review and evaluate electrical schematics, mechanical drawings, firmware behavior, production test data, and system-level performance metrics.
• Shape the long-term technical strategy for automation initiatives, including standardized hardware platforms, integration frameworks, and deployment best practices.

• At least 10 years of experience working with electromechanical systems, industrial automation, robotics, embedded systems, or related technologies.
• Deep cross-disciplinary engineering expertise spanning mechanical, electrical, controls, and embedded systems, with the ability to troubleshoot complex system-level issues.
• Experience working with motion control systems, sensors, motor drives, PLCs, and industrial communication protocols such as RS-232/485, Modbus, or EtherNet/IP.
• Strong understanding of hardware and software integration concepts, including APIs, control flows, telemetry systems, diagnostics, and production monitoring.
• Experience reviewing and validating electrical schematics, mechanical assemblies, bills of materials, firmware behavior, and production test results.
• Strong knowledge of reliability engineering principles, production-quality systems, and common electromechanical failure modes in operational environments.
• Experience overseeing external vendors, contract manufacturers, or system integrators through technical execution, validation, and deployment.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to clearly present technical risks, tradeoffs, and recommendations across teams and leadership.

• Comprehensive health benefits, including various medical plans, dental, and vision.
• Wellbeing Program with free therapy sessions, Employee Assistance Program, Calm App, Virtual Yoga Classes, and more.
• 14 weeks of 100% paid parental leave for all global team members and workplace lactation support.
• Partnership with Care.com for care finder and backup childcare for U.S. employees.
• Family planning benefits for adoption, surrogacy, fertility treatments, etc.
• Flexible PTO for U.S. employees.
• Pet insurance for accidents, illnesses, and more.
• Gym reimbursement for part of gym membership.
• Financial planning support, including 401(k) matching and Origin Financial programs.
• Commuter benefits to help lower daily commute costs.
• Tuition Reimbursement Program for educational courses related to positions.