Job VC
UGV Lead (Mechanical Engineering) / Керівник розробки НРК (механіка)
Technologies
Description
Ark Robotics
is an international, mission-driven defense technology company founded in 2024, developing advanced robotics and autonomy software for the remote operation of AI-driven robotic fleets.
Our systems are battle-tested, with proven deployments of unmanned military platforms across 20+ mission units in Ukraine, procured by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Digital Transformation. Backed by $8.7M in funding, Ark Robotics is building robotics that operate reliably in the most demanding real-world environments.
Right now, we are looking for a
UGV Lead
.
About the Role:
We are looking for a
UGV Lead with a strong mechanical engineering background
to own the robustness and field-readiness of its unmanned ground vehicle platforms.
You will build and lead the UGV team within Frontline Operations, ensuring systems perform reliably in real operational environments. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, product, and field teams, with a strong focus on
continuous improvement through real-world feedback and rapid iteration.
The focus is on hardening and evolving existing platforms — turning engineering-ready systems into reliable, maintainable, and scalable field-deployed products, accountable for performance, stability, and long-term lifecycle readiness.
Travel & Location Expectations
Kyiv-based
Travel to testing ranges and frontline-adjacent locations as needed
Travel is mission-driven, not constant deploymen
Key Responsibilities:
Mechanical Platform Ownership & Maturation
Own the
mechanical integrity, durability, and manufacturability
of UGV platforms
Drive platforms to combat-ready mechanical robustness
Lead improvements in chassis design, suspension, thermal resilience, and structural reliability
Ensure platforms withstand harsh environmental and operational conditions
Engineering Leadership & Execution
Lead a multidisciplinary team (mechanical, hardware, embedded, RF) with mechanical engineering as the core discipline
Prioritize development based on field performance and mechanical failure modes
Align technical decisions with CTO and core engineering teams
Field Adaptation & Reliability
Analyze mechanical failures, wear, and degradation in real conditions
Improve serviceability, repairability, and durability
Implement design changes based on combat feedback loops
Cross-Team Collaboration
Work closely with Integration, Testing, and Deployment teams
Ensure mechanical compatibility with control, communication, and payload systems
Translate field feedback into practical engineering solutions
Lifecycle & Production Readiness
Prepare platforms for serial production
Standardize mechanical components, repair processes, and maintenance workflows
Define spare parts strategy and technical documentation
Develop technical documentation for testing, certification, and scaling
Qualifications
Strong background in
mechanical engineering
Experience with
complex mechanical systems
(e.g. vehicles, robotics, aerospace, heavy equipment)
Deep understanding of:
Structural design
Materials and durability
Vibration, shock, and environmental resistance
Manufacturing and assembly processes
Understanding of electronics, embedded systems, and RF (collaborative level)
Strong systems thinking and engineering judgment
Experience working with field-deployed or mission-critical systems
Leadership experience managing engineering teams
Ability to make decisions under pressure
Results-driven mindset with focus on reliability and performance
English
: B1+
Interview Steps
Interview with a Recruiter
Interview with the Function Lead
Technical Interview with the CTO
Final Interview
Security Check
Offer
We are offering:
20 paid days off
paid sick leave
competitive salary
reservation from mobilization
is an international, mission-driven defense technology company founded in 2024, developing advanced robotics and autonomy software for the remote operation of AI-driven robotic fleets.
Our systems are battle-tested, with proven deployments of unmanned military platforms across 20+ mission units in Ukraine, procured by the Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Digital Transformation. Backed by $8.7M in funding, Ark Robotics is building robotics that operate reliably in the most demanding real-world environments.
Right now, we are looking for a
UGV Lead
.
About the Role:
We are looking for a
UGV Lead with a strong mechanical engineering background
to own the robustness and field-readiness of its unmanned ground vehicle platforms.
You will build and lead the UGV team within Frontline Operations, ensuring systems perform reliably in real operational environments. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, product, and field teams, with a strong focus on
continuous improvement through real-world feedback and rapid iteration.
The focus is on hardening and evolving existing platforms — turning engineering-ready systems into reliable, maintainable, and scalable field-deployed products, accountable for performance, stability, and long-term lifecycle readiness.
Travel & Location Expectations
Kyiv-based
Travel to testing ranges and frontline-adjacent locations as needed
Travel is mission-driven, not constant deploymen
Key Responsibilities:
Mechanical Platform Ownership & Maturation
Own the
mechanical integrity, durability, and manufacturability
of UGV platforms
Drive platforms to combat-ready mechanical robustness
Lead improvements in chassis design, suspension, thermal resilience, and structural reliability
Ensure platforms withstand harsh environmental and operational conditions
Engineering Leadership & Execution
Lead a multidisciplinary team (mechanical, hardware, embedded, RF) with mechanical engineering as the core discipline
Prioritize development based on field performance and mechanical failure modes
Align technical decisions with CTO and core engineering teams
Field Adaptation & Reliability
Analyze mechanical failures, wear, and degradation in real conditions
Improve serviceability, repairability, and durability
Implement design changes based on combat feedback loops
Cross-Team Collaboration
Work closely with Integration, Testing, and Deployment teams
Ensure mechanical compatibility with control, communication, and payload systems
Translate field feedback into practical engineering solutions
Lifecycle & Production Readiness
Prepare platforms for serial production
Standardize mechanical components, repair processes, and maintenance workflows
Define spare parts strategy and technical documentation
Develop technical documentation for testing, certification, and scaling
Qualifications
Strong background in
mechanical engineering
Experience with
complex mechanical systems
(e.g. vehicles, robotics, aerospace, heavy equipment)
Deep understanding of:
Structural design
Materials and durability
Vibration, shock, and environmental resistance
Manufacturing and assembly processes
Understanding of electronics, embedded systems, and RF (collaborative level)
Strong systems thinking and engineering judgment
Experience working with field-deployed or mission-critical systems
Leadership experience managing engineering teams
Ability to make decisions under pressure
Results-driven mindset with focus on reliability and performance
English
: B1+
Interview Steps
Interview with a Recruiter
Interview with the Function Lead
Technical Interview with the CTO
Final Interview
Security Check
Offer
We are offering:
20 paid days off
paid sick leave
competitive salary
reservation from mobilization