10+ Years Robotics Recruitment Excellence

Robotics, ML & AI Hiring. Done Right.

10 years embedded with one of the world’s leading robotics companies. We understand your hiring challenges because we’ve lived them.

Robotics Hiring Is Different

You need engineers who can work across hardware and software. Who understand real-time systems, sensor integration, and the gap between simulation and reality. Who can ship production systems, not just prototypes.

Most recruiters don’t understand the difference between a Robotics Software Engineer, Mechatronics Design Engineers and an Embedded Engineer. They send you CVs that look right on paper but miss what actually matters.

We’re different. We’ve spent a decade inside a robotics company. We know what ‘good’ looks like.

A Decade in Robotics

Since 2015, Helen Sanders, HFBAC’s founder, has been the exclusive recruitment partner for Shadow Robot Company – one of the world’s leading dexterous manipulation robotics companies. We’ve hired across their entire operation:

This isn’t a case study from a distance. We’ve been in the room. We understand the culture, the technical challenges, and what makes someone thrive in a robotics environment.

Shadow Robot Company

Years Partnership

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Successful Placements

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Exclusive Partner

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The Partnership

Shadow Robot Company designs and manufactures some of the world’s most advanced dexterous robotic hands. Their technology powers research at leading universities and companies worldwide. Since 2015, Helen Sanders – founder of HFBAC – has been their embedded talent partner, woven into their hiring process and culture from the inside.

The Challenge

Finding engineers who could bridge hardware and software, work with cutting-edge manipulation technology, and thrive in a fast-paced R&D environment. The technical bar was exceptionally high, and cultural fit was critical.

The Approach

Helen became an extension of Shadow’s team. She learned their technology, understood their culture, and developed deep expertise in robotics hiring. Her Chemistry First methodology ensured every candidate could handle the unique demands of dexterous manipulation robotics.

The Results

Over 50 successful placements across firmware, software, mechatronics, and leadership roles. Multiple engineers have grown from junior positions to senior leadership. The partnership continues to this day through HFBAC, supporting Shadow’s expansion into new markets and technologies.

Specialists We Place

Hardware & Systems

Software & AI

Leadership & Operations

Chemistry First for Robotics

Technical skills are table stakes. The engineers who fail in robotics usually fail because of fit – not capability. They can’t handle ambiguity. They expect clear specs that don’t exist. They struggle when hardware doesn’t behave like simulation.

Our Chemistry First methodology tests for these factors before credentials. We assess working styles, communication preferences, and how candidates handle the messy reality of building robots that work in the real world.

Let's Talk Robotics Hiring

Whether you’re hiring your first engineer or building out a team, we can help. Book a strategy call and let’s discuss your hiring challenges.

Or email helen@hfbac.com directly