Robert Wiggers

About Robert Wiggers

The technical focus of my career has been in robotics and machine design; particularly in combining mechanical systems with control systems (mechatronics). Through my career I have done detail mechanical design and FEA Analysis, technical leadership, functional management, manufacturing test engineering and multi-group management. In addition, I have been a software development engineer in controls systems and systems machine engineer. I have lead several teams through product development from concept to production. With this diverse engineering background, and a desire to understand the full perspective of a system, I am able to lead a groups in developing the best all-around system design. Specialties: Robotics, Manufacturing Automation, Mechatronics, Control Systems, Autocalibration, Machine Design, Engineering Management

Experience

1. Vice President of Hardware Engineering

   ZAP Surgical Systems, Inc.

   Jan 2023 — Present · San Francisco, CA, US

   Built and developed the Hardware Engineering organization at Zap Surgical, an innovative medical device company focused on self-shielded radiation therapy systems for head and neck cancer. Recruited and developed a high-performing, multidisciplinary team spanning Systems, Mechanical, Electrical, Embedded Software, and Clinical Engineering. Established team structure, culture, and processes to support scalable product development and regulatory compliance.Oversaw all aspects of hardware development, from system architecture through clinical integration. Empowered Systems Engineers to serve as both technical architects and owners of product requirements, ensuring design cohesion and alignment with clinical needs. Provided strategic direction as part of the leadership team, helping to shape product vision, accelerate time to market, and support the company’s growth and innovation objectives.

Education

• UC Santa Barbara

  BS, Mechanical Engineering

  1987 — 1992

• San José State University

  MS, Mechanical Engineering, Controls and Manufacturing System Engineering

  1995 — 1997

Skills

• Design for Manufacturing
• Mechatronics
• Cross-Functional Team Leadership
• Program Controls
• Systems Engineering
• Machine Design
• Calibration
• Control Systems Design
• Manufacturing
• Robotics
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Product Development
• Automation
• Solidworks
• Project Management
• Manufacturing Automation
• Cad
• Engineering
• Finite Element Analysis
• Engineering Management