Senior Hardware Engineer

Why this role is exciting

This is not a traditional CAD desk job. As a Senior Hardware Engineer, you will be a technical owner of mechanical systems that are designed, built, installed, and validated on real vehicles and remote drive station platforms used in live operations.

You will shape next-generation hardware from clean-sheet design through on-vehicle validation, with direct responsibility for turning ideas into robust, production-ready components. This role combines deep mechanical design expertise with hands-on execution and real-world impact.

You will also own the Engineering Change Order process for your systems, ensuring that improvements move efficiently from concept to release as the product and fleet scale.

If you’re looking for a role that combines deep design expertise with hands-on engineering impact, this is it.

What you'll be driving

Ownership and Delivery

• Act as the technical owner of mechanical components: concept freeze through vehicle-level validation and release..
• Lead hardware change initiatives end-to-end, from change request initiation through ECO closure and release.
• Make design trade-offs independently while aligning stakeholders across engineering, testing, and operations.

Hands-on build and validation

• Design new mechanical parts and assemblies in CAD, with a strong focus on manufacturability, durability, and integration into complex systems.
• Coordinate or fabricate first prototypes, perform hands-on vehicle-level installation, and execute functional and environmental testing..
• Partner with test and validation teams to define, execute, and iterate on validation plans based on real-world results.

Cross-functional execution and scale

• Work closely with procurement and supply chain to create and manage BOMs, source components, and support suppliers during early builds and iteration phases.
• Drive and participate in rigorous design reviews, ensuring technical excellence and cross-functional alignment.
• Release hardware configurations for engineering and commercial use with accurate documentation, GD&T, and PLM data.

What are we looking for

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
• Several years experience in Mechanical Design, owning mechanical systems end to end, from concept through on-vehicle or system-level validation.
• Deep expertise in CAD-based component and assembly design, including production-grade documentation.
• Strong fundamentals in mechanical design, materials, and manufacturing processes.
• Hands-on experience building, installing, and testing real hardware such as vehicles, robots, or complex machinery.
• Experience working with PLM systems, GD&T, and formal release processes.
• Demonstrated ownership of Engineering Change Orders, including initiation, tracking, and closure.
• Comfortable operating with high autonomy in a fast-paced, cross-functional engineering environment..
• Engineering Change Order (ECO) management experience: initiating, tracking, and closing ECOs.

Why choose Vay

💪 A global team of smart, motivated people from 30+ countries who love tackling hard problems and turning bold ideas into reality

🌍 Huge scope for impact in a fast paced environment

💰 ESOP virtual stock options: A stake in Vay’s future - not just a salary

🌴 Unlimited Paid Vacation Days

🎫 Subsidized Deutschland ticket (Berlin)

🏋️‍♂️ Subsidized Urban Sports Club or FitX Membership 

🚗 All Vay team members receive 30% off their Vay rides

🛍️ Exclusive external discounts

💼 €350 Home Office Set-up 

✈️ Relocation financial assistance when relocating to Berlin 

📚 Fully funded German Lessons 

🎊 Regular team events throughout the year