Mechanical Lead

Waabi, founded by AI visionary Raquel Urtasun, is the leader in Physical AI. With a world-class team, we're unlocking the next era of autonomous transportation with technology that's powering commercial autonomous trucks and robotaxis. Waabi is backed by and partners with world leaders in AI, automotive, logistics, and deep tech. With offices in Toronto, San Francisco, Dallas, and Pittsburgh, Waabi is growing quickly and looking for diverse, innovative and collaborative candidates who want to impact the world in a positive way. To learn more visit: www.waabi.ai You will: Lead, mentor, and grow a team of Mechanical Engineers and R&D Technicians based in Pittsburgh, PA. Own the technical roadmap for mechanical design, assembly, test, and integration of sensors, compute, modules, and actuation systems. Partner closely with Embedded Systems, Hardware Systems, Quality and Manufacturing, V&V, and Software teams to convert system requirements into hardware specifications. Drive execution across prototype and production module builds, balancing timelines, resourcing, and priorities across the team. Set and uphold engineering standards and best practices across tolerancing, FEA, PLM/document revision control, and design-for-manufacturing. Build and scale the Pittsburgh mechanical engineering and R&D technician function, including hiring and onboarding. Manage relationships with suppliers and external partners, including sourcing and quality decisions. Diagnose complex technical issues, drive them to resolution, and remove blockers for your team. Own performance management, career development, and coaching for direct reports. Present technical solutions, roadmaps, and status updates to cross-functional and senior leadership audiences. Design for automotive requirements and real-world environmental challenges. Qualifications: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field. 8+ years of mechanical engineering experience, with meaningful hands-on ownership of hardware from prototype to production. 2+ years of experience directly managing engineers and/or technicians, including performance management and career development. Proficient with Solidworks, technical drawing tolerancing, and fundamentals of Finite Element Analysis (FEA). Experience with PLM tools and document revision control. Experience testing and qualifying mechanical designs for on-road vehicle use. Experience with design-for-manufacturing processes such as sheet metal, injection molding, stamping, and die cast. Track record of managing supplier and external partner relationships. Strong communicator, comfortable presenting mechanical solutions and team plans to cross-functional teams and leadership. Open-minded and collaborative team player with the willingness to help others. Passionate about self-driving technologies, solving hard problems, and creating innovative solutions. Leads with empathy and clarity, and builds an environment where engineers and technicians can do their best work.   Bonus Qualifications: Experience leading a mixed team of engineers and R&D/lab technicians. Autonomous vehicle and/or automotive industry experience. Experience scaling an engineering team through periods of rapid growth. Surfacing experience.