R&D Hardware Engineering Manager

About the Team

Agility Robotics is building the future of bipedal robotics with Digit, a human-centric, multipurpose robot designed to work alongside people in real-world environments. The Innovation Team is a nimble, skunkworks-style R&D group working directly with company leadership (CTO and Chief Robot Officer) to explore and de-risk bold concepts that will shape the future generations of Digit.

About the Role

We are seeking a hands-on engineering leader who is passionate about building cutting-edge robotic systems and thrives in a fast-paced, ambiguous R&D environment. This role includes managing a small team (3-6 engineers) with a focus heavily weighted toward individual contribution (IC) in mechanical design and rapid prototyping. You will own mechanical subsystems end-to-end: from concept and CAD, through prototyping, testing, iteration, and cross-functional collaboration. You'll also guide IC engineers, lead reviews, help us hire, and shape development processes to enhance team effectiveness and quality.

This is an ideal opportunity for a high-performing mechanical engineer with deep technical expertise and at least 3 years of leadership experience, looking to remain close to the technical work while having an outsized impact on a small, elite team.

About the Work:

• Lead mechanical design of new prototype subsystems (e.g., novel actuators, transmissions, legs, arms, feet, BLDC motors, grippers, etc.)
• Own concept development, analysis, CAD (Creo), and prototype build/test cycles
• Conduct engineering calculations, FEA collaboration, and tolerance stack-up for proof-of-concept hardware
• Develop test protocols and root cause investigations for your subsystems
• Collaborate cross-functionally with software, controls, electrical, test, and manufacturing engineers
• Drive data-driven design and simplicity-first approaches
• Document work rigorously using tools like Jira, Confluence, and Windchill
• Manage, mentor, and develop a small team of mechanical engineers (3-6), providing technical coaching for earlier-career engineers, career development, and feedback
• Ensure execution toward high-priority R&D goals
• Plan and lead design reviews, aligning with internal stakeholders (including CTO and Chief Robot Officer)
• Help define lightweight, effective processes for a high-functioning R&D team
• Contribute to hiring efforts and promote a culture of curiosity, rigor, and rapid iteration

About You:

• You love designing elegant and functional mechanical systems from scratch, often with difficult-to-define requirements
• You're an expert problem solver who thrives in self-driven, ambiguous, fast-moving environments
• You're excited to stay close to the design and prototyping process
• You're experienced in leading teams, but still hands-on and deeply technical
• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or related field
• 8+ years of mechanical design experience
• At least 3 years of technical leadership or people management experience
• Expertise in electromechanical system design (e.g., mechanisms, actuators, structural systems, sensor integration)
• Expert-level proficiency in CAD (PTC Creo preferred), including mechanical drawings and GD&T
• Strong communication skills and ability to guide technical discussions
• Experience designing, prototyping, and testing complex mechanical subsystems
• Willingness to be on-site in Salem, OR at least 3 days/week

Bonus Points:

• Robotics or autonomous systems experience
• Creo surfacing and cable routing
• Windchill PLM, Jira, and Confluence experience
• Experience with test design and execution
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in mechanical engineering or related discipline