Associate Principal Engineer - Robot Hardware & Vision

Brief Role Summary

The Associate Principal Engineer for Robot Hardware & Vision System is a senior technical leader responsible for developing and integrating the hardware, sensing, and perception technologies that power next‑generation robot vacuum products. This role leads architecture, design, and validation of navigation sensors, depth systems, cameras, embedded electronics, and obstacle‑avoidance capabilities to deliver industry‑leading mapping accuracy, cleaning performance, and product reliability.

Key Responsibilities

1. Robot Hardware System Architecture (RVC Focus)

• Lead system-level design for robot vacuums, covering compute, motors, drive system, battery/power architecture, environmental sensors, bumper systems, and docking interfaces.
• Optimize hardware architecture for strong suction, long runtime, efficient thermal management, and reliable mobility in compact robotic platforms.
• Ensure cohesive integration across mechanical, electrical, embedded, and vision subsystems.

2. Navigation, Vision & Sensing Leadership

• Architect and develop advanced sensing systems for navigation and perception, including LiDAR/LDS, ToF, structured light, RGB/IR cameras, IMU, odometry, cliff/floor sensors.
• Drive improvements in SLAM performance, obstacle detection, mapping accuracy, and localization robustness.
• Evaluate emerging sensor technologies to improve performance in low light, cluttered homes, reflective floors, and challenging environments.

3. Cross‑Functional Development Leadership

• Collaborate with Mechanical, EE, Firmware, AI/ML, and Product Management teams from concept through mass production.
• Lead system requirement definition and ensure alignment with product KPIs.
• Mentor junior engineers and guide technical decision‑making across teams.

4. Prototype, Testing & Validation (Robot Vacuum Use Cases)

• Oversee prototype builds and sensor integration on robot vacuum platforms.
• Define and execute validation for real‑home conditions:
  • small-object avoidance (cables, toys, socks)
  • dark-room and reflective-surface navigation
  • mapping robustness and zone‑cleaning accuracy
  • long-term endurance and dust exposure testing
• Use field data and reliability insights to drive continuous improvement.

5. Supplier & Component Management

• Evaluate and qualify suppliers for LiDAR modules, camera units, motor systems, PCBs, and sensor subsystems.
• Partner with ODM/OEM engineering teams to ensure manufacturability, reliability, and cost optimization.
• Ensure components satisfy durability standards for dusty, vibration-heavy robot environments.

6. Innovation & Technology Roadmap

• Identify opportunities to enhance RVC capabilities such as improved obstacle detection, 3D space perception, AI‑enabled scene understanding, or multi‑floor navigation.
• Support IP development and contribute to long-term robotics innovation strategy.

Key Qualifications

Education Background

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• PhD is a plus, especially with focus on sensing systems, robotic hardware, or computer vision.

Work Experience

• 8–12 years of relevant experience in robotics, embedded hardware development, sensing systems, or consumer electronics.
• At least 5 years working specifically on robotics or advanced sensing technologies.
• Experience in delivering robot vacuum products or consumer robotics to mass production is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership in cross-functional engineering programs or technical architecture roles.

Technical & Professional Qualifications

• Deep expertise in robotic hardware, sensing technologies, embedded electronics, and multi-sensor fusion.
• Hands-on experience with LiDAR/LDS, ToF, depth cameras, IMU, and perception hardware stacks.
• Strong understanding of SLAM, mapping, and navigation system requirements from the hardware perspective.
• Excellent analytical, debugging, and system‑level problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication skills with ability to influence design direction and align teams.
• Experience working with Asian ODMs/OEMs and component vendors is an advantage.

Behavioral:

• Excellent communication skills to be able to effectively communicate with all levels within the business, in both English and Chinese
• Drive to demonstrate and lead the highest standards of engineering.
• Ability to influence and motivate others.
• A creative and practical approach.
• Drive and enthusiasm to implement ideas and solutions.
• Good planning and workload management skills.
• Ability to work autonomously.

Dyson is an equal opportunity employer. We know that great minds don’t think alike, and it takes all kinds of minds to make our technology so unique. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and employment decisions are made without regard to race, colour, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other any other dimension of diversity.