Technical Manager - Firmware Engineering

Fox Robotics is at the bleeding edge of warehouse automation, with a focus on autonomous forklifts. As the leader in this space, Fox has clear product market fit and is scaling fast, with plans to nearly double from ~90 employees in the next year. With this growth, employees have a once-in-a-career opportunity to learn, all while working as part of a mission-driven team focused on making robots that work. 

As a Technical Manager, you will be responsible for driving the development of systems for robotic forklift applications, while guiding, mentoring, and managing a team.  In this dynamic role, you will bring your technical and engineering expertise to ensure we develop and deliver on time with quality.  This means some days you may be immersed in detailed technical and design work and others you may be leading team management activities.  In short, this role is a blend of owning and delivering technical work while being a people manager, leading the development team.

What you’ll do:

• Architecture, design, and implementation of a distributed system containing multiple motor controllers, PLCs, and other embedded devices.
• Design and integration of control systems for an autonomous robotic platform.
• Lead cross functional initiatives between Engineering, Product, Manufacturing, etc. to determine requirements and interfaces.
• Manage cross-functional interfaces to firmware design (Product, Systems, Electrical, Autonomy, Manufacturing, Operations, Service, etc.)
• Host daily team stand-up meetings and planning meetings.
• Participate in departmental planning initiatives.
• Ensure appropriate testing is conducted for firmware system integration and development to meet requirements.
• Create, manage, and status comprehensive development plans and timelines.
• Provide feedback and coaching to the team of engineers.  Provide assessment and feedback on personnel and performance related matters.
• Manage firmware team tools and vendors.

What you’ll need: 

• 10+ years of professional experience.
• B.S or in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or equivalent.
• Experience designing distributed real-time embedded systems.
• Strong programming background (Python or C++ preferred).
• Excellent problem solving and debugging skills.
• Ability to lead cross-functional interactions with technical and non-technical teams.
• Proven ability in managing multiple projects, priorities, and assignments with accountability.
• Strong follow-through and self-starting nature.
• Ability to communicate with customers and vendors in an effective and positive way.
• Ability to work well in a high-paced environment, set and meet appropriate deadlines.
• Ability to facilitate, influence, and collaborate across the organization.
• Experience leading the design evolution from concept to scaled production.
• Knowledge and experience with product development frameworks (Agile, Waterfall, etc.)

Nice to have:  

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field..
• Experience with:
• Programming PLCs, motor controllers.
• Leading the development and integration of control systems.
• Integration with sensors and hardware systems.
• Industrial and robotic vehicles.
• CANopen, TCP/UDP, and other communication protocols.
• Functional Safety analysis.
• Robotics experience.
• Forklift vehicle experience.
• Startup experience.
• People/Team leader experience.

Benefits and perks:

• A once in a career opportunity to build, alongside colleagues who deeply care (plus robots that aren’t bad, either!)
• Competitive salary and stock options
• Generous healthcare options
• 401k match
• Unlimited PTO
• Other perks that connect us, including lunch on Fridays, team building activities, and more!

 

More About Fox Robotics 

We make robots that work.

We envision a world where robots serve as a human multiplier for dull and dangerous work. The warehousing industry sees more than 52,000 cases of injuries every year in the US. Our first product is an automated trailer unloader (forklift) that quickly demonstrates measurable value to our customers by both improving efficiency while also increasing safety.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, gender, s