# Principal, Systems/Mechanical Engineering - Company: [Hds]() - Location: Boston, MA - Team: Robotics / Automation - Posted: August 22, 2025 ## Job description 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](http://www.hdsglobal.com/)) and industry leaders (see our recent partnerships with [Ingram Micro](https://www.wsj.com/articles/ingram-micro-to-invest-10-million-in-warehouse-automation-startup-1502791200) and [Toyota](http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150805005554/en/HDS-Announces-Deal-Toyota-Motor-Engineering-Manufacturing)). ***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. ## Apply [Apply on Hds]() Canonical job page: