Tech Lead, Mechanical Engineering (NPI, Apparel & Accessories)

At WHOOP, we’re on a mission to unlock human performance and health span. As a member of the Mechanical Engineering Apparel & Accessories 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 – Apparel & Accessories to lead the development of next-generation wearable accessories and band 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 accessory lines while establishing strong engineering standards, managing technical risk, and ensuring high-quality execution from concept through production.

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, product development, and team mentorship.

The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $140,000-$195,000. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within each range, individual pay is based on factors such as job-related skills, experience, performance, and relevant education or training.

In addition to the base salary, the successful candidate will also receive benefits and a generous equity package.

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

• 8+ years of mechanical design experience in consumer electronics or wearable hardware products.

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

• Key contributor to the launch of 3+ 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.

• Strong proficiency with 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 wearable accessories, including plastics, elastomers, textiles, and overmolding.

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

• Strong passion for product development and attention to detail.
• Lead and mentor a team of mechanical engineers responsible for WHOOP accessory and band product development.

• Set technical direction, engineering standards, and development processes for accessory product lines.

• Guide engineers through design reviews, technical challenges, and cross-functional decisions.

• Balance team leadership responsibilities with hands-on engineering contribution.

• Drive mechanical architecture decisions for wearable accessories, ensuring optimal form, fit, function, durability, and manufacturability.

• Create and review high-fidelity CAD models, assemblies, and production drawings.

• Work closely with Industrial Design to translate aesthetic vision into manufacturable mechanical solutions.

• Contribute directly to detailed mechanical design and prototyping.

• Lead mechanical design reviews and drive cross-functional alignment with Product, Electrical Engineering, Operations, and global manufacturing partners to successfully launch new accessories.

• Support engineering validation builds (EVT/DVT/PVT) and manufacturing ramp activities.

• Drive design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for assembly (DFA) strategies across accessory products.

• Partner with suppliers to explore materials, manufacturing processes, and cost optimization opportunities.

• Support second sourcing and supply chain resilience for key components.

• Define and maintain best practices for mechanical design, documentation, validation, and risk management.

• Up to 20% international travel to contract manufacturers and suppliers.