Director, Mechanical Engineering

Job description

JOIN THE SLEEP FITNESS MOVEMENT At Eight Sleep, we’re on a mission to fuel human potential through optimal sleep. As the world’s first sleep fitness company, we’re redefining what it means to be well-rested and building the most advanced hardware, software, and AI technology to make it possible. Our products power peak mental, physical, and emotional performance by transforming every night of sleep into a personalized, data-driven recovery experience. We are trusted by high performers, professional athletes, and health-conscious consumers in over 30 countries worldwide. Recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2026, and twice named to TIME's “Best Inventions of the Year.” We operate like a high-performance team: fast, focused, and motivated by impact. We don’t just ship; we iterate, refine, and obsess over the details that help our members sleep better and wake up stronger. Every role at Eight Sleep is a chance to create cutting-edge technology, collaborate with world-class talent, and help shape a future where sleep isn’t passive - it’s a powerful tool for living better. If you’re tired of the ordinary and driven to build at the edge of what’s possible, this is your moment. Join us and lead the movement that’s transforming how the world sleeps and what we’re all capable of when we wake up. HIGH STANDARDS. NO APOLOGIES. We operate with intensity because our mission demands it. At Eight Sleep, we bring the same mindset as the world’s top performers: focused, relentless, and always pushing to be in the top 1% of our craft. Think Kobe Bryant’s mamba mentality, applied to bold ideas, next-gen tech, and flawless execution. This isn’t a 9-to-5. Our team is deeply committed, often putting in 60+ hours a week –not because we’re told to, but because we’re invested. We’re here to build fast, push limits, and deliver without compromise. If you thrive under pressure and want to do the most meaningful work of your career, you’ll feel right at home. If you’re looking for something easier –this isn’t it. THE ROLE We’re looking for a leader for our mechanical/product design engineering team in San Francisco. You'll oversee development of highly complex electromechanical products, including our flagship product (the Pod) as well as an ambitious roadmap of brand new products that don't yet exist. The ideal candidate will have significant experience launching successful products from concept through to production. This role will report to the Chief Product Officer. This role is based out of our San Francisco office 5 days/week HOW YOU'LL CONTRIBUTE - Lead all aspects of mechanical engineering across the full development cycle - Manage mechanical, soft goods, and prototype & test engineers. - Provide technical leadership on cross-functional trade-offs and architectural decisions spanning fields such as thermals, fluids, mechanisms, and sensing. - Travel to Asia to ensure teams and suppliers are delivering successfully against goals. - Ensure hardware products meet high standards of performance, user experience, and quality. - Shape and execute the hardware product roadmap with stakeholders across the company - Work with the Chief Product Officer and executive team to define the hardware product roadmap and features. - Collaborate with stakeholders across electrical engineering, software engineering, sensing and clinical, operations, marketing, and finance to develop and launch products successfully. - Grow and manage a world-class engineering team - Hire and coach talented engineers who are committed to our mission. - Foster a culture of excellence and collaboration. - Implement systems and processes to ensure the team is operating at peak efficiency, including design reviews and phase gates. WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO SUCCEED - 10+ years of experience developing complex electromechanical systems such as consumer electronics, automotive, or medical devices. - Track record of launching products successfully under aggressive timelines with lean teams. 2+ years directly managing mechanical and product design engineers. - Deep knowledge of injection molding, electronics/sensor integration, and mechanism design. Proficiency with thermal engineering, fluid systems, actuators, and soft goods is highly desirable. - Experience scaling products to high volume production in Asia, as well as expertise in DFM/DFA, tolerance analysis, and GD&T. - BSME or equivalent. - Willingness and ability to travel to China as needed. WHY JOIN EIGHT SLEEP? Innovation in a culture of excellence Join us in a workplace where innovation isn’t just encouraged - it’s a standard. Our flagship product, the Pod, is a testament to our culture of excellence, beloved by hundreds of thousands of customers worldwide. At Eight Sleep, you will be part of a team that continuously pushes the boundaries of technology in sleep fitness. Immediate responsibility and accelerated career growth From your first day, you’ll take on substantial responsibilities that have a direct impact on our core business and product success. We are a small team that empowers you to own your projects and see the tangible effects of your efforts, enhancing both your professional growth and our company’s trajectory. Your path will be challenging but rewarding, perfect for those who thrive in fast-paced environments aiming for high standards. Collaboration with exceptional talent Work alongside other bright minds like you: at Eight Sleep exceptional intelligence and a passion for breakthroughs are the norms. Our team members are not only experts in their fields but also avid innovators who thrive in our dynamic, fast-paced environment. Equitable compensation and continuous equity investment We extend equity participation to every full-time team member, recognizing and rewarding your direct contributions to our success. This includes periodic equity refreshments based on performance, ensuring that as Eight Sleep grows and succeeds, so do you – perfectly aligning your achievements with the broader triumphs of the company. Your own Pod - and other great benefits Every Eight Sleep employee receives the very product that defines our mission: a Pod of their own. If you join us you’ll get your own Pod https://www.eightsleep.com/, along with*: - Lunch in the SF office 5 days a week - Full access to health, vision, and dental insurance for you and your dependents - Supplemental life insurance - Flexible PTO - Commuter benefits to ease your daily commute - Paid parental leave At Eight Sleep we continually celebrate the diverse community different individuals cultivate. As an equal opportunity employer, we stay true to our values by ensuring everyone feels they can flourish and grow. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.