Systems Engineer at iRobot

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Systems Engineer
Company: iRobot
Location: Guangzhou, China
Job Type: Full-Time
Category: Systems Engineer
Date Posted: June 25, 2025
Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Lead cross-functional teams in system and subsystem architectures, requirements generation, partner collaboration, design execution, and product validation for consumer robot development.
Define the best technical path forward by evaluating tradeoffs and using the voice of the customer to generate requirements, write theories of operation, and run trade studies.
Manage technical risk through integration, troubleshooting, and testing, working on both hardware and software aspects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong technical leader who can balance technical depth with broad knowledge across multiple disciplines to drive successful product development in a fast-paced environment.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Technical Leadership: Lead cross-functional teams in defining system and subsystem architectures, requirements, and product validation.
Partner Collaboration: Work closely with iRobot's engineering and manufacturing partners to ensure timely and high-quality product launches.
Risk Management: Identify and manage technical risks throughout the product development lifecycle.
Performance Testing: Develop and execute performance tests to ensure products meet or exceed customer expectations.
Product Launch: Coordinate and manage the end-to-end product launch process, from concept development to end of production.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves a high degree of technical leadership, collaboration, and decision-making, with a strong focus on driving successful product outcomes.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field, with a strong preference for a Master's degree.

Experience: 5+ years in new, high volume consumer product development, with a history of leading cross-functional teams and meeting commitments.

Required Skills:

Expertise in one or more core areas (software, mechanical, electrical) and broad technical knowledge in several of the following topics: embedded systems, hardware-software interactions, interfaces, optical sensors, Wi-Fi, navigation, batteries, and motion control.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to learn quickly.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a mastery of the English language.
Demonstrated systems thinking and experience with systems engineering tools and methods, such as use case ideation, requirements development, risk analysis, trade space decision-making, and root cause analysis.

Preferred Skills:

Robotics experience.
Knowledge of software architecture and embedded systems.
Experience with high volume manufacturing.
Familiarity with mechatronic hardware architecture.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a well-rounded engineer with deep technical expertise in at least one core discipline and a solid understanding of the other two. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are essential for success in this role.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate a history of leading cross-functional teams in consumer product development, with a focus on technical leadership and successful product outcomes.
Showcase your ability to manage technical risks and make informed tradeoffs in product development.
Highlight your experience with systems engineering methods, such as requirements development, risk analysis, and trade space decision-making.

Technical Documentation:

Provide examples of theories of operation, use cases, and requirements documents you've developed for previous projects.
Include case studies or examples of how you've managed technical risks and made tradeoffs in product development.
Showcase your ability to communicate complex technical concepts and trades clearly and concisely to fellow engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a portfolio of specific projects is not explicitly required, demonstrating a track record of successful product development and technical leadership is crucial for this role.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: Based on market research and the required experience level, the estimated salary range for this role in Guangzhou, China is ¥500,000 - ¥700,000 per year (before tax).

Benefits:

Competitive benefits package, including health insurance and retirement plans.
Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organization.
A dynamic and collaborative work environment, with a strong sense of team and camaraderie.

Working Hours: Full-time position, with standard working hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break). Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines or troubleshoot issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on market research and the required experience level. Actual compensation may vary depending on the candidate's qualifications and the company's internal salary structure.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: iRobot operates in the consumer robotics industry, focusing on developing and manufacturing robots for the home. This role will be part of the Chief Engineer Organization, which plays a crucial role in leading New Product Introduction and developing successful products within iRobot.

Company Size: iRobot is a mid-sized company with a global presence, employing over 1,000 people worldwide. This provides ample opportunities for collaboration and growth within the organization.

Founded: iRobot was founded in 1990, with a rich history of innovation and leadership in the consumer robotics industry.

Team Structure:

The Chief Engineer Organization consists of Systems Engineers who lead cross-functional teams in product development.
Systems Engineers work closely with iRobot's engineering and manufacturing partners to ensure successful product launches.
The organization fosters a culture of technical leadership, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Development Methodology:

iRobot employs Agile methodologies for product development, with a focus on iterative improvement and customer value.
Systems Engineers are responsible for defining the product requirements, managing technical risks, and ensuring product validation throughout the development lifecycle.
The organization emphasizes pragmatic risk management, with a focus on integration, troubleshooting, and testing.

Company Website: irobot.com

📝 Enhancement Note: iRobot's culture emphasizes technical leadership, collaboration, and continuous learning, providing an excellent environment for engineers looking to grow and make an impact in the consumer robotics industry.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is at the senior level, requiring a well-rounded engineer with deep technical expertise in at least one core discipline and a solid understanding of the other two. The role involves a high degree of technical leadership, collaboration, and decision-making, with a strong focus on driving successful product outcomes.

Reporting Structure: Systems Engineers report directly to the Chief Engineer and work closely with iRobot's engineering and manufacturing partners. They are responsible for leading cross-functional teams in product development and ensuring successful product launches.

Technical Impact: Systems Engineers have a significant impact on iRobot's products, working closely with various teams to define system and subsystem architectures, requirements, and product validation. Their decisions and leadership directly influence the success of iRobot's consumer robot products.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Leadership: As a senior-level role, this position offers opportunities for technical leadership and growth within the Chief Engineer Organization and iRobot as a whole.
Product Development: Systems Engineers have the opportunity to work on various products throughout their career at iRobot, continually expanding their technical knowledge and skills.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: This role provides ample opportunities for collaboration with various teams, such as software, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers, as well as with iRobot's partners.

📝 Enhancement Note: iRobot's culture of technical leadership, collaboration, and continuous learning provides numerous opportunities for growth and development within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: iRobot's Guangzhou office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity. The office features open workspaces, meeting rooms, and breakout areas for employees to relax and recharge.

Office Location(s): Guangzhou, China

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: The open workspaces encourage collaboration and communication among team members, with ample opportunities for impromptu discussions and brainstorming sessions.
State-of-the-art Equipment: iRobot provides its employees with access to the latest tools and technologies, ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Systems Engineers work closely with various teams within iRobot and with external partners, providing ample opportunities for cross-functional collaboration and learning.

Work Schedule: Full-time position, with standard working hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break). Occasional overtime may be required to meet project deadlines or troubleshoot issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: iRobot's work environment is designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and innovation, providing an ideal setting for engineers looking to grow and make an impact in the consumer robotics industry.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Phone Screen (30 minutes): A brief conversation to discuss your background, experience, and interest in the role. Be prepared to discuss your technical expertise and leadership experience.
Technical Deep Dive (60 minutes): A detailed discussion of your technical skills, with a focus on your experience with systems engineering methods, risk analysis, and trade space decision-making. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past projects.
Behavioral Interview (60 minutes): A conversation focused on your leadership style, problem-solving skills, and ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams. Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing technical risks and making tradeoffs in product development.
Final Interview (60 minutes): A meeting with the hiring manager to discuss your fit for the role and the team, as well as any remaining questions you may have.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight your experience with systems engineering methods, such as requirements development, risk analysis, and trade space decision-making.
Include case studies or examples of how you've managed technical risks and made tradeoffs in product development.
Showcase your ability to communicate complex technical concepts and trades clearly and concisely to fellow engineers.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on your knowledge of systems engineering methods, risk analysis, and trade space decision-making.
Review your past projects and be prepared to discuss your role in defining system and subsystem architectures, requirements, and product validation.
Practice explaining complex technical concepts and trades clearly and concisely to fellow engineers.

ATS Keywords: [List of relevant keywords for Systems Engineer roles, organized by category: Systems Engineering, Product Development, Risk Management, Technical Leadership, etc.]

📝 Enhancement Note: iRobot's interview process is designed to assess your technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit within the organization. Being prepared to discuss your experience with systems engineering methods and your approach to managing technical risks is crucial for success in this role.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Systems Engineering Tools & Methods:

Use case ideation
Requirements development
Risk analysis
Trade space decision-making
Root cause analysis
Agile methodologies
Pragmatic risk management

Preferred Programming Languages & Platforms:

C, C++, Python
Embedded systems development tools (e.g., IAR, Keil, GCC)
Version control systems (e.g., Git)
Project management tools (e.g., Jira, Confluence)

📝 Enhancement Note: While this role is not focused on a specific technology stack, a strong foundation in systems engineering methods and experience with relevant tools and platforms is essential for success.

👥 Team Culture & Values

iRobot's Values:

Innovation: We foster a culture of creativity and continuous learning, encouraging our employees to think outside the box and challenge the status quo.
Collaboration: We believe in the power of teamwork and cross-functional collaboration, with a strong focus on open communication and mutual respect.
Customer Focus: We are dedicated to understanding our customers' needs and exceeding their expectations, with a passion for creating products that make a meaningful difference in people's lives.
Integrity: We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, with a commitment to honesty, transparency, and accountability in all our actions.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Systems Engineers work closely with various teams within iRobot, such as software, mechanical, electrical, and manufacturing engineers, as well as with iRobot's partners.
Code Review Culture: iRobot fosters a culture of code review and peer programming, with a strong emphasis on knowledge sharing and continuous learning.
Knowledge Sharing: iRobot encourages its employees to share their knowledge and expertise with their colleagues, fostering a culture of growth and development within the organization.

📝 Enhancement Note: iRobot's culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, customer focus, and integrity, providing an ideal environment for engineers looking to grow and make an impact in the consumer robotics industry.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Product Development: Systems Engineers must balance technical depth with broad knowledge across multiple disciplines to drive successful product development in a fast-paced environment.
Risk Management: Identifying and managing technical risks throughout the product development lifecycle requires strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to make informed tradeoffs.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Working closely with various teams within iRobot and with external partners requires excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a strong focus on open communication and mutual respect.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Systems Engineers have the opportunity to work on various products throughout their career at iRobot, continually expanding their technical knowledge and skills.
Leadership Development: As a senior-level role, this position offers opportunities for technical leadership and growth within the Chief Engineer Organization and iRobot as a whole.
Cross-functional Learning: Collaborating with various teams within iRobot and with external partners provides ample opportunities for learning and growth in different aspects of the product development lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: iRobot's culture of technical leadership, collaboration, and continuous learning provides numerous opportunities for growth and development within the organization, with a strong focus on driving successful product outcomes.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Systems Engineering Methods: Be prepared to discuss your experience with systems engineering methods, such as requirements development, risk analysis, and trade space decision-making. Provide specific examples from your past projects to illustrate your expertise.
Risk Management: Demonstrate your ability to identify and manage technical risks throughout the product development lifecycle. Discuss your approach to making informed tradeoffs and balancing technical depth with broad knowledge across multiple disciplines.
Cross-functional Collaboration: Showcase your ability to work collaboratively with various teams within iRobot and with external partners. Discuss your approach to open communication and mutual respect in a cross-functional team environment.

Company & Culture Questions:

iRobot's Values: Demonstrate your understanding of iRobot's values and how you embody them in your work. Provide specific examples of how you've demonstrated innovation, collaboration, customer focus, and integrity in your past roles.
Product Development: Discuss your approach to product development, with a focus on driving successful outcomes in a fast-paced environment. Explain how you balance technical depth with broad knowledge across multiple disciplines to meet customer expectations.
Technical Leadership: As a senior-level role, discuss your approach to technical leadership and growth within iRobot. Explain how you've fostered a culture of collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning in your past roles.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Technical Expertise: Highlight your experience with systems engineering methods, risk analysis, and trade space decision-making. Include case studies or examples of how you've managed technical risks and made tradeoffs in product development.
Leadership Skills: Showcase your ability to lead cross-functional teams in product development, with a focus on driving successful outcomes and fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
Communication Skills: Demonstrate your ability to communicate complex technical concepts and trades clearly and concisely to fellow engineers, with a focus on open communication and mutual respect.

📝 Enhancement Note: iRobot's interview process is designed to assess your technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural fit within the organization. Being prepared to discuss your experience with systems engineering methods and your approach to managing technical risks is crucial for success in this role.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Systems Engineer position at iRobot:

Submit your application through the application link: irobot.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/iRobot/job/China-Guangzhou/Systems-Engineer_R3947
Prepare your portfolio: Highlight your experience with systems engineering methods, risk analysis, and trade space decision-making. Include case studies or examples of how you've managed technical risks and made tradeoffs in product development. Tailor your portfolio to demonstrate your technical expertise and leadership skills.
Optimize your resume: Focus on your experience with systems engineering methods, risk management, and cross-functional collaboration. Highlight your technical leadership and problem-solving skills, as well as your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
Prepare for the technical interview: Brush up on your knowledge of systems engineering methods, risk analysis, and trade space decision-making. Review your past projects and be prepared to discuss your role in defining system and subsystem architectures, requirements, and product validation. Practice explaining complex technical concepts and trades clearly and concisely to fellow engineers.
Research iRobot: Familiarize yourself with iRobot's products, company culture, and values. Understand the consumer robotics industry and iRobot's role within it. Be prepared to discuss your fit for the role and the team, as well as any remaining questions you may have.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web development/server administration industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Systems Engineer