Director of Systems Engineering, Integration and Test

Founded in 2011 by graduates of Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), RISE™Robotics is a high-growth technology company backed by The Engine, a Tough Tech venture capital fund built by MIT, Greentown Labs, and Techstars. RISE™Robotics is leading the way to Zero Emission heavy machinery by providing the world's most efficient and productive alternative to hydraulics. We specialize in fostering dynamic partnerships with Tier 1 suppliers, OEMs and the US Department of Defense, pioneering the transition from traditional hydraulic systems to more efficient and sustainable solutions. 

Role & Opportunity

At this pivotal point in company growth, RISE is looking for a passionate and team-oriented Director of Systems Engineering, Integration and Test (SEIT)  to join us in shaping the future of heavy-duty linear actuation and heavy machinery. RISE Cylinder is an actuation technology for use in heavy machinery applications, and as such it must be subjected to rigorous levels of testing-based validation. You will be responsible for leading and overseeing all technical and personnel aspects of the SEIT department, ensuring RISE Cylinder requirements are thoroughly defined, designed against, verified, and validated. You will own the department’s short to midterm (1-3 years) development and execution, career path, and vision. The position requires exceptional leadership skills and multidisciplinary knowledge spanning mechanical, electrical, and software domains. This position will report to the Chief Operating Officer, and is a hybrid role with three (3) days/week in the Somerville office with additional days in the office, as needed, based on critical product timelines.

In This Role You Will:

• Lead a multidisciplinary SEIT team to validate the performance and reliability of complex electro-mechanical systems during product development.
• Create and oversee department initiatives to support training, process improvement, and the creation and maintenance of best practices and protocols, fostering a culture that meets and exceeds internal and external customers.
• Translate business, strategic, and financial direction and goals from executives to functional team members’ goals.
• Champion best practices in systems engineering and testing methodologies, identify opportunities for innovation and optimization and implement these practices to accelerate product development cycles. 
• Hire, direct, lead, and mentor a team of systems engineers and test engineers, fostering a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous learning, and provide technical direction and guidance to meet scheduled commitments, as needed.
• Drive the development of scalable, reliable, and high-performance systems that meet customer needs and business objectives by collaborating with cross-functional teams to define product requirements, architecture, and design specifications.
• Implement automated testing frameworks and tools to streamline testing efforts and improve efficiency partnering with the RISE Operations team to set up production tests.
• Work with Hardware and Software development teams to diagnose root causes of failure and to brainstorm product design improvements.
• Establish prototype and fielded product problem and failure reporting information, and methods of analysis and prioritization of field product issues.

Requirements

• BS or MS in engineering with 10+ years in leading engineering teams.
• Prior experience as an individual contributor in a SEIT department.
• Strong understanding of machinery requirements and test models that accurately simulate real-life performance.
• Demonstrated strong work ethic and ability to work in a team environment.
• Prior experience in program management or operations.
• Excellent leadership, change management, initiative and planning skills with the ability to perform as an individual contributor, as needed.
• Strong track record of success in raising department performance through institutionalizing best practices.
• Proven troubleshooting skills and structured problem-solving approach.
• Experience working cross-functionally in a dynamic, high-tech, startup environment.
• Proven track record of mentoring and coaching staff.
• Experience with Agile development methodologies and tools (e.g., Scrum, Jira) is a plus.
• Familiarity with cloud technologies, DevOps practices, and CI/CD pipelines is desirable.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package, including equity options
• Health, dental, life, and disability insurance
• Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance policy- RISE™ pays 70% of the premium
• 401(k) program
• Twenty days PTO and ten office holidays
• Flexible/hybrid work options
• Weekly lunches and company outings (holiday parties, milestone celebrations)
• Free parking/T accessible
• Located in Union Square

RISE Robotics is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity at all levels. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply.