AI Hardware Lead

Job Summary:

Musashi AI North America, Inc. is a growing hardware and software-focused company developing smart vision solutions for quality assurance in manufacturing environments. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, we employ a talented and dynamic team of R&D and Applications Engineers driving new technology development, building innovative products, and supporting deployed solutions.

As the AI Hardware Lead at Musashi AI, you will play a pivotal leadership role in advancing our cutting-edge automated inspection and AI-based hardware technologies. You will oversee and guide a team of Controls, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineers while remaining hands-on in all aspects of system design, integration, and implementation. Your responsibilities will span Electrical and Mechanical Design, PLC & HMI Programming, Robotics and Vision Systems Programming, and system integration — merging traditional industrial automation with AI-based technologies. You will ensure project success from concept to commissioning, supporting both internal initiatives and external customer projects. This role requires occasional travel for customer site installations and commissioning. Your technical expertise and leadership will be instrumental in achieving company goals related to Safety, Quality, Cost, and Delivery.

Reports to: Director of Engineering – AI

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Engineering Technology (Electrical, Controls, Mechanical, or Mechatronics is preferred)
• Minimum of 10+ years of engineering & design work experience
• Proven experience leading and managing technical teams in a fast-paced, innovative environment
• Proficient in PLC & HMI programming, with experience across multiple PLC brands to demonstrate flexibility and depth of control systems knowledge (experience with Mitsubishi, Keyence, or Allen Bradley is a strong asset)
• Skilled in AutoCAD, Solidworks Electrical, or Solidworks Mechanical, and interpreting electrical and mechanical schematics or drawings
• Strong knowledge of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code (OESC), auditing workplace processes, and electrical best practices
• Well versed in the Canadian Electrical Code, with a focus on Industrial practices
• Familiarity with mechanical design and integration principles
• Experience with Robotics and Robot programming (including both collaborative and traditional robots such as FANUC)
• Experience with robot simulation tools such as FANUC Roboguide
• Experience with discrete electronics and PCBA design is an asset
• Experience with programming languages such as Python and C for data handling, automation scripting, or embedded system integration is an asset
• Experience with CSA and PSHSR requirements for safeguarding of equipment is an asset
• Experience with industrial Cameras, Vision systems, or AI-based vision applications is an asset

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead and support a team of Controls, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineers with internal and external customer projects through the design, build, test, and commissioning phases
• Prepare and deliver business plan and Key Performance Indicators (KPI) reports
• Accountable for the planning, scheduling, execution, and overall success of projects
• Lead and review project requirements and specifications throughout the project lifecycle
• Manage engineering development through continued learning and industry best practices
• Lead equipment procurement, calibration, and maintenance activities
• Work closely with the Hardware Applications, Engineering, and Production teams for project alignment and execution
• Collaborate with department managers and teams to determine business needs, gaps, and opportunities for improvement
• Prepare Bill of Materials for automation projects and relevant documentation for machine manuals
• Align testing requirements with industry and Musashi standards, considering customer specifications
• Lead the preparation of machines for ESA & PSR inspections to ensure they meet all requirements
• Spearhead the design, programming, testing, and deployment of PLC & HMI programs, Electrical Panels, Robotics Applications, and Mechanical Systems
• Merge insights from Optical Engineers and AI Software Developers to integrate electrical, electronic, mechanical, and control systems — including discrete electronic components and PCBA systems — with AI-enabled inspection hardware to deliver cohesive, cutting-edge solutions
• Collaborate with machine builders and contractors to verify hardware, mechanical, and software functionality
• Deploy machinery at customer facilities, test and commission projects on-site, and provide post-installation support and troubleshooting
• Travel for customer and business requirements as needed

Personal Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills
• Self-motivated, resourceful, and well organized
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills
• Self-starter with a proactive, driven mindset
• Independent worker capable of taking initiative and ownership of tasks
• Strong organizational and project management abilities
• Effectively manage multiple priorities while meeting project deadlines
• Flexible with good time management
• Strong technical, analytical, and troubleshooting skills
• Strategic thinker with the ability to balance hands‑on engineering work with team leadership and project planning

Company Standards:

• Uphold company policies.
• Be a champion of Musashi Philosophy.
• Follow all safety procedures & instructions.
• Actively involved in company and department goals.
• Follow Musashi’s “5S” principles, quality, environmental, and health & safety systems.
• Interact with all Musashi working peers in a respectful and pleasant manner.