Job Title: Senior Technical Recruiter - Robotics Engineering and Operations
Department: People Operations
Employment Type: Full Time
FLSA: Exempt
Location: Houston, TX - Onsite
About the RolePersona AI is building humanoid robots that perform real work, and we're growing fast. To do that, we need world-class technical talent - the kind that doesn't apply to job postings and has to be found, engaged, and won over. The Senior Technical Recruiter is the person who makes that happen.
Reporting to the Head of Talent, you'll work directly with hiring managers across engineering, robotics, and operations to source and close exceptional candidates for some of the most technically demanding roles in the industry. This isn't a coordination role or a process role - it's a pure recruiting role for someone who loves the hunt, thrives on building relationships with hard-to-reach talent, and knows how to close. You'll carry a req load, run your own searches, and be the driving force behind filling critical positions that directly impact our ability to ship product.
What We Are Looking For:- 5-10 years of full-cycle recruiting experience, primarily at a staffing agency or executive search firm (not purely corporate recruiting).
- Demonstrated track record of filling highly technical engineering or deep-tech roles across robotics, mechatronics, embedded systems, ML/AI, and related disciplines.
- Expert-level sourcing skills, including Boolean search, LinkedIn Recruiter, GitHub, academic networks, AI sourcing tools, and alternative channels beyond job boards.
- Strong hiring manager partnership skills: conducting effective intake meetings, translating ambiguous requirements into focused searches, and keeping stakeholders aligned.
- Proven ability to engage and close passive candidates through compelling outreach, strong follow-through, and eliciting responses from individuals not actively looking.
- Ability to successfully manage multiple open requisitions simultaneously without sacrificing quality or velocity on any search.
- Confident in handling offer conversations, managing counteroffers, and ensuring candidates progress through to their start date without issues.
- Proven track record of closing out-of-market candidates on relocation by overcoming hesitation, persuasively promoting Houston as a career and lifestyle destination, and supporting candidates' emotional journey (with logistics handled by a dedicated partner; you handle the conviction).
Bonus Skills:- Prior recruiting experience in robotics, aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or deep-tech hardware.
- Existing relationships within the Houston engineering, aerospace, or tech talent community.
- Familiarity with ATS platforms such as Ashby, Rippling, Greenhouse, Lever, or similar.
- Experience recruiting for organizations with 50-300 employees in a high-growth environment.
- Background recruiting for hardware or deep-tech companies where candidates are rare and every req requires a custom sourcing strategy.
