Lead Hardware Engineer

[Note: we are currently fully staffed for this role, but expect to be hiring for additional team members in the near future. So, we likely won't review/respond quickly, but we WILL look here first when we crank up the hiring machine again.]

Dapster is looking for a Lead Hardware Engineer to join our small‑but‑powerful team. This is an impact opportunity -- we’re very much still an early‑stage startup, and you will be working on our foundational technology and products.

About Dapster:

Dapster is focused on bringing AI‑fueled robotic picking solutions to market. We recently landed a large pilot with a top retailer -- effectively dilution‑free funding to develop our core technology.

If you want to do interesting work with a sharp, experienced and humble team, and share in the upside that comes with joining at the earliest stages, we’d love to talk to you. The quick details:

What will you do?

Broad ownership of the hardware design, manufacturing and capabilities of the Dapster robots (we can go into much more detail live).

What are we looking for?

• Experience building and shipping robotics hardware components like wheels, drives, grippers and/or arms.
• Familiarity with all the phases of the development - prototyping, design, manufacturing, and shipping.
• Excellent fluency in CAD/CAM tools, allowing the engineer to “think” with the tool.
• Fluid intelligence and creativity - the ability and willingness to solve problems in unorthodox ways and think outside the box.
• The willingness to do hands‑on work like using the nearby machine shop to prototype some solutions.
• Highly organized and articulate communication skills.

Other nice‑to‑have’s:

• Proven ability to closely manage external contractors and hold them to high standards.
• Experience working with embedded systems software engineers.
• Ability to balance business needs with engineering puritanism.

Dapster is a remote‑friendly, hybrid workplace. We maintain a development lab in Palo Alto, CA, and occasionally travel to client sites (mainly Phoenix, AZ). Roles requiring interaction with our physical robots likely entail more in‑office work than not. Other roles can be structured to your preferences.

Interested in learning more?

Let’s start a conversation -- you can apply directly below or reach out to Scott (one of our founders) with any questions at [email protected].