Summary
GrayMatter Robotics is a well-capitalized Physical AI company headquartered in Los Angeles, building Factory SuperIntelligence (FSI) through systems that learn, adapt, and develop genuine process intelligence across every part they touch. Our robots take on the tedious, hazardous, and ergonomically demanding work that has kept manufacturing dependent on a shrinking skilled workforce, delivering superhuman performance. Robotics has a demo problem. GMR doesn't. Our systems are in active production today, adapting autonomously to real geometries, real materials, and real process variation without reprogramming. We deliver our system through a Robots-as-a-Service (RaaS) model that converts capital expenditure into an operating subscription, making Physical AI accessible to the manufacturers who need it most. We hire people who want to solve hard physical problems at an industrial scale.
We help manufacturers improve the quality of life for their workforce while increasing production capacity, and reducing scrap, repair, and rework costs. As a Robotics Engineering Manager: Systems & Applications, you will join our Activation Team onsite in our Carson, CA office to grow our Systems & Applications Engineering (SAE) engineers—an essential group that interfaces with nearly every team across the organization.
Role & Responsibilities
As a Robotics Engineering Manager, you will…
Be responsible for delivering consistently high-quality engineering output and train a team of deeply capable engineers who are known industry-wide for their problem-solving rigor, systems fluency, and collaborative strength
Set the technical standard and lead by example: architect, debug, build, and launch physical systems
Adopt a hands-on approach to develop people and systems in parallel
Break down complex system-level issues across the hardware/software stack and guide others to solve them effectively
Drill into engineering output to ensure work meets the right level of quality, performance, and long-term maintainability
Ask the right questions to help others gain insight and move forward confidently
Serve as a coach and mentor; train engineers in structured problem solving and technical decision-making
Create onboarding and ongoing learning frameworks for new and existing SAE team members
Conduct performance reviews and career development conversations with empathy and clarity
Champion engineering best practices across the team
Allocate SAE resources dynamically based on cross-functional needs (Project, Product, RDO, Sales, Gov’t, CSS, Marketing)
Prioritize and coordinate team members’ time in alignment with evolving org-wide priorities
Communicate team bandwidth, skill alignment, and project risk to the broader org
Work closely with Product and other stakeholders to ensure clarity in handoffs, timelines, and quality expectations
Operate as a thought partner to technical and non-technical leaders who rely on SAE as an internal center of expertise
Export Control Requirements
In order to comply with the export regulations of the United States Government, it is required that the applicant must fall under one of the following categories: (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (i.e. current green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158.
Minimum Qualifications
BS/MS degree or equivalent years of experience in Robotics, Automation, Advanced Manufacturing, Mechanical, Electrical, or related field
6+ years experience building and launching complex physical systems (robotics, drones, autonomous vehicles, etc.)
2+ years experience managing performance, developing engineers and allocating team resources
Strong systems thinking with hands-on technical experience across the full stack: hardware, firmware, software, and integration
Familiarity with ROS, embedded systems, and full-stack development for robotics or automation systems
Ability to translate bandwidth, technical risk, and resource needs into actionable decisions
Track record of training, mentoring, or leveling up teams through direct teaching and role modeling
Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively across multiple teams
Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment with quickly changing priorities
Must secure work authorization in the United States and maintain ongoing work authorization beginning at the time of hire through the entirety of employment
Preferred Qualifications
Experience leading various distributed/multi-location teams, including external design and manufacturing partners
8+ years experience building and launching complex physical systems (robotics, drones, autonomous vehicles, etc.)
Prior experience as a Principal Engineer with formal people leadership responsibilities at a high-growth company
4+ years managing engineers directly, including performance reviews and career development
Experience supporting multiple cross-functional teams in a fast-paced, high-growth startup or scaling environment
Strong organizational agility: able to manage shifting priorities, allocate bandwidth, and balance technical depth with operational decision-making
Experience standing up or scaling internal training programs, onboarding systems, or technical development tracks
Recognized internally or externally as a thought leader or technical mentor
GrayMatter Robotics provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage and embrace applicants of all backgrounds to apply!
GrayMatter Robotics is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities. If you believe you require accommodations during the recruiting process, please contact accommodations@graymatter-robotics.com to submit your request.
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Depending on the position and if listed, compensation may include the base salary range, bonus or commission, and equity. We also provide comprehensive benefits and perks which include but are not limited to medical, dental, vision, unlimited PTO, 401(k) plan + employer match, regular offsite events, a discretionary fund for enhancing productivity and so much more! The range listed on job postings reflect the minimum and maximum new hire salary across levels in Los Angeles, CA.