Tech Lead, Mechanical Engineering (NPI)

At WHOOP, we’re on a mission to unlock human performance and health span. As a member of the Mechanical Engineering NPI team, you’ll help shape the future of wearable technology by developing innovative, high-performance products that integrate seamlessly into users’ lives.

WHOOP operates with urgency because our mission demands it. We build products for people who push their limits—and we hold ourselves to the same standard. We expect engineers to go deep technically, collaborate relentlessly, and take pride in execution. The pace is fast, expectations are high, and the work is deeply meaningful. This isn’t a role where you follow a blueprint. If you’re energized by complex challenges, cross-functional collaboration, and the opportunity to ship hardware at scale, this role will push you—and reward you.

WHOOP is seeking a Tech Lead, Mechanical Engineering to lead the development of next-generation wearable platforms. This is a player-coach role responsible for both leading a team of mechanical engineers and directly contributing to product design and technical development.

You will guide the team responsible for designing and launching new WHOOP hardware lines while establishing strong engineering standards, managing technical risk, and ensuring high-quality execution from concept through production. This role requires strong systems thinking and experience designing products that bring together compact packaging, precision mechanical interfaces, environmental robustness, and seamless integration with advanced electronic subsystems. You will work cross-functionally with Industrial Design, Electrical Engineering, Product Management, Operations, and external manufacturing partners to bring innovative wearable products to market.

This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who thrives at the intersection of technical leadership, system architecture, product development, and team mentorship.

RESPONSIBILITIES::
• Lead a team of mechanical engineers by setting the standard for engineering excellence, driving design reviews, technical decision-making, and cross-functional execution, while contributing directly as a hands-on technical leader.

• Own and deliver mechanical architecture and critical subsystem/component designs for wearable products, including hands-on CAD development, assemblies, and production drawings that achieve optimal form, fit, function, durability, and manufacturability in close collaboration with Industrial Design, Electrical Engineering, and Manufacturing.

• Directly design and prototype key components and assemblies, driving detailed design decisions and resolving technical challenges through iterative development and data-driven verification and validation.

• Own cross-functional alignment and execution across Product, Electrical Engineering, Firmware, Signal Processing Engineering, Operations, and global manufacturing partners, including leading design reviews, defining and executing verification and validation plans, supporting EVT/DVT/PVT builds, and ensuring successful manufacturing ramp.

• Drive DFM/DFA strategies and partner with suppliers to develop materials, manufacturing processes, and cost-optimized solutions.

• Define and uphold best practices across mechanical design, documentation, validation, and engineering risk management.

• Travel up to 20% internationally to support contract manufacturers and suppliers.

QUALIFICATIONS::
• B.S. or M.S. in Mechanical Engineering or a related field.

• 5+ years of mechanical design experience in consumer electronics, wearables, or similarly integrated hardware products.

• Experience working across mechanical, electrical, and system design tradeoffs, including balancing industrial design and form factor goals with the performance needs of multiple electromechanical, RF, and power subsystems.

• 5+ years of working with Tier 1 and 2 contract manufacturers in Asia and North America.

• Key contributor to the launch of 2+ consumer hardware products, with deep understanding of the full product development lifecycle and supplier engagement.

• Experience leading or mentoring engineers in a technical leadership role.

• Mastery of 3D CAD tools (SolidWorks or similar) and production-level design practices.

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work well within teams in a fast-paced environment.

• Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts internally to leadership and externally to suppliers and contract manufacturers.

• Deep knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes relevant to wearables, including plastic injection molding, Metal injection molding, sheet metal, die casting and electronics integration.

• Ability to clearly communicate technical concepts internally to leadership and externally to suppliers and contract manufacturers.

• Strong cross-functional collaboration skills and the ability to influence product decisions.

• Strong passion for product development and attention to detail.