Robotics Hardware Engineering Manager

Engineering Manager 2 | Robotic Hardware | Hybrid Working | Welywn Garden City

Introduction: 

We are Ocado Group, and we're bringing world-class automation to online grocery. Our Ocado Smart Platform (OSP) combines cutting-edge robotics, AI, and IoT within our advanced CFCs (Customer Fulfilment Centres). We've mastered the single pick, transforming online delivery for our global partners. Join us and be part of a team pushing the boundaries of retail technology.

About the Role 

As an Engineering Manager 2 within our Robotic Hardware team, you'll lead a multidisciplinary engineering team developing innovative robotic hardware for our automated warehouses. You'll drive the development of both current and next-generation robotic systems, including advanced end-of-arm tooling.

This is a highly technical leadership role, where you'll provide hands-on technical direction and coaching while working alongside the team to solve complex robotics and mechatronic challenges. Collaborating closely with Product, Project and Software teams, you'll help deliver cutting-edge hardware from concept through to production. You'll also champion continuous improvement, foster a collaborative engineering culture, and support the growth of both your team and the wider development centre.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a multidisciplinary team to support the realisation and delivery of hardware for integrated robotic pick solutions.
• Drive the delivery of best-in-class robotic solutions to solve complex challenges within our Customer Fulfilment Centres.
• Collaborate with development centre leadership to build a great place to work, contributing to recruitment, branding, and induction processes.
• Partner with product and project teams, alongside wider stakeholders, to design and deliver new robotic picking hardware.
• Work closely with software engineering teams to solve complex mechanical and mechatronic challenges.
• Oversee the continuous improvement of production and development systems, incorporating rapid prototyping methodologies.

What We’re Looking For Essential

• Proven mechanical engineering or mechatronics experience, alongside strong robotics and automation expertise.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary hardware engineering teams, providing technical direction and mentoring engineers across mechanical, mechatronics and related disciplines.
• Strong systems-level understanding of robotics, with experience designing, integrating and validating complete robotic solutions for production.
• Proven experience delivering hardware products from development through to production, balancing innovation with manufacturability and reliability.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with software engineering teams to deliver integrated robotics solutions.
• Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping and working within Agile environments.
• Strong leadership, organisational and communication skills, with a focus on quality and continuous improvement.

Nice to Haves

• Proficiency in using CAD tools such as SolidWorks and OnShape.
• Comfortable presenting ideas, convincing stakeholders, and delivering presentations to group audiences.

Benefits 

We believe in supporting our people with meaningful, flexible benefits that prioritise well-being and work-life balance. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect:

• Time to recharge: 25 days annual leave (rising to 27 after 5 years), plus the option to buy more – and 30 days a year to work from anywhere in the world.
• Health & wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance from your first month, wellbeing support through specialist apps and EAP, plus Income Protection and Life Assurance.
• Family-first policies: 22 weeks paid maternity/primary carer leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave.
• Financial support: Pension with employer matching up to 7%, share schemes (Sharesave & BAYE), and interest-free loans for train tickets.
• Commuter perks: Cycle to Work Scheme and free shuttle buses to/from Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City stations.
• Exclusive discounts: 15% off at Ocado.com with free delivery (starting in your first month).
• Be bold, be unique, be brilliant, be you. We are looking for individuality and we value diversity. We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly and equally. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a positive, barrier-free recruitment process and supportive work environment. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application.

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