Lead Robotics Systems Engineer in Portland, Oregon

Location

Portland, Oregon

Job Type

Contractor

Company

ProFocus Technology

TITLE: Hands-On Lead Robotics Systems Engineer – Robotics / Embedded Systems / Python

LOCATION: Bay Area, CA (On-Site Required)

PAY: Target pay for this role is $100 per hour W-2 and varies based on applicable experience

ENGAGEMENT TYPE: Contract

DURATION: Estimated to be 3-6 months with opportunity to extend

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING

This is a Senior-level Hands-On Lead Robotics Systems Engineer position. You will work directly with a founder to help transition an early-stage robotics prototype into a product-ready platform. This role is both strategic and hands-on, requiring ownership of system architecture, product direction, and technical integration across multiple engineering disciplines.

You will:

• Audit existing engineering work across mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software domains

• Define MVP scope and roadmap across multiple prototype phases

• Establish system architecture and integration strategy

• Evaluate current workstreams and make recommendations on what to continue, rework, or discontinue

• Develop a Product Requirements Document (PRD)

• Create a realistic execution plan aligned with budget and timeline constraints

• Work hands-on to unblock technical challenges and reduce risk

This is an opportunity to play a foundational role in shaping a robotics product from prototype to production.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience owning multidisciplinary engineering execution across mechanical, electrical, firmware, and software

• Proven experience designing and integrating wheeled, load-bearing mobile robotic platforms

• Strong embedded systems experience (microcontrollers such as ESP32, STM32; RTOS or bare-metal C/C++)

• Experience with motion control systems and closed-loop motor control

• Experience developing or working on person-following or user-responsive robotic systems

• Experience working with battery-powered mobile systems and associated tradeoffs

• Experience taking products from early prototype through manufacturing launch

Additional experience:

• Python development experience

• Experience with embedded robotics systems interfacing with hardware

• Experience with obstacle detection and safety systems (ToF, ultrasonic, vision, or similar)

• Experience supporting low-volume pilot builds and DFM considerations

• Embedded ML/AI experience

• Clear verbal and written communication skills

• Authorization to work in the US is a precondition of employment - we do not sponsor work visas

ABOUT OUR CLIENT

Our client is an early stage robotics startup developing a person-following mobile platform. The scrappy team is in the early stages of product development and is focused on building a practical, cost-effective solution with real-world applications.

WHY ProFocus:

Candidates come first. ProFocus is a five-time award winner for Best in Staffing for Talent Satisfaction due to our World-Class service to our amazing candidates.

Quality process. We invest the time to learn about your skills, experience, and career goals in detail so we can find you a position that is a great fit.

Access to hiring managers. We have close relationships with some of the most respected companies, from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies. Due to those relationships, we can provide direct access to managers and positions that may not be available anywhere else.

Excellent benefits. We offer medical, dental, vision, 401k, education reimbursement, sick leave, and employer-paid short-term disability and life insurance. Review our detailed benefits here.

Want to learn more? Contact one of our recruiters here or email info@ProFocusTechnology.com.

Please email us your resume to apply: Resume@ProFocusTechnology.com

Visit our Job Seekers page to learn more and review other opportunities.

ProFocus is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity in our workplace and encourage all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.