What we needSymbotic is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to drive electrical design for automated material-handling robots and related platforms. In this role you will lead the conceptualization, architecture, design, analysis, fabrication, integration, and test of complex electrical systems - not only PCBAs and cables, but the full bot-level electrical system - from concept through production.
You will set technical direction for other electrical designers, work through Symbotic's Product Development Process (PDP), and partner with PLM and contract manufacturers so designs can be built, qualified, and released at volume.
What we do The Electrical Engineering - Bot Hardware team is part of Symbotic's Hardware Engineering organization and develops the electrical hardware that powers and connects our robotic systems. Our team designs PCB-based electronics, harnesses, and electrical interfaces that support power distribution, sensing, compute, communications, and control across our automation platforms. We partner closely with mechanical, firmware, test, manufacturing, and other engineering teams to integrate these designs into reliable, manufacturable robotic products and support them from development through production.
What you'll do - Lead technical solutions to complex electrical problems that require regular ingenuity and creativity, at board, harness, and system-integration level (power, sensing, compute, interconnect, grounding, and interfaces to mechanical, firmware, and controls).
- Drive designs from concept through production: architecture, schematic, PCB layout, prototype, DVT, design freeze, production release, and sustaining.
- Follow and lead others through the PDP - phase gates, design reviews, requirements, verification, and release discipline - so the team ships on a repeatable path.
- Design schematics and PCB layouts in Altium - not layout guidance only. Own stackup, placement, routing, SI/PI, EMC-aware layout, and DFM through release.
- Apply DfX (DFM, DFA, DFT, DFS, and related) so designs are manufacturable, testable, serviceable, and cost-capable at the contract manufacturer.
- Work in PLM (BOMs, ECOs/ECNs, item and document release) and with contract manufacturers to enable builds, first article, and production ramp.
- Write requirements and test plans; plan and execute the testing needed to validate safety, function, and robustness of the design, including support of EMC/EMI bring-up and mitigation.
- Investigate issues and failures in the lab and at customer or manufacturing sites; lead containment and corrective design when the product is in the field or in ramp.
- Research and qualify electro-mechanical components (connectors, sensors, power devices, compute modules) for robotics / automation / automotive-class environments.
- Mentor electrical designers and raise the bar on reviews, documentation, and release quality.
- Travel to customer sites, CMs, and test houses to support bring-up, installation, and failure analysis as required.
What you'll need - Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline; advanced degree a plus.
- 12+ years of electrical design experience, with a record of taking products from concept to production.
- Expertise in Altium schematic capture and strong PCB layout design (or equivalent high-end ECAD with demonstrated willingness to work in Altium).
- Expertise in automation robotics and/or automotive platforms - mobile robots, AGVs/AMRs, or automotive electronic systems in harsh electrical and mechanical environments.
- Demonstrated system-level integration of electronics, not PCBA- or cable-only ownership: interconnect, grounding, power distribution, sensors, and partner-subsystem interfaces.
- Working knowledge of safety standards applied to automation and robotic platforms (ability to work with Functional Safety and interpret product safety requirements; prior SIL / ISO 13849 / IEC 61508 or equivalent experience a plus).
- Working knowledge of EMC/EMI and best design practices (grounding, filtering, shielding, return paths, cable and enclosure effects) and ability to debug to a passing result.
- Expertise in DfX and a track record of designs that contract manufacturers can build and test at volume.
- Familiar with a formal PDP / phase-gate process and able both to follow it and to lead a team through it.
- Familiar with PLM and with working through contract manufacturers to enable production (BOMs, ECOs, first article, process feedback).
- Ability to work in a results-oriented, project-driven team, prioritize across programs, and deliver quality under tight constraints.
- Strong interpersonal skills; works collaboratively with mechanical, firmware, test, operations, safety, and supply chain.
Physical and Environment Requirements - Wilmington, MA (lab and cross-functional presence).
- 10% Travel to customer sites, CMs, and test facilities as required.
The base range for this position in the posted location is $150,000.00 - $206,800.00 however, base pay offered may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes medical, dental, vision, disability, 401K, PTO and/or other benefits.
