Chief of Engineering

Chief of Engineering

Description

Smart Wires is reimagining the grid with modular Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) and analytics that enable controllable power systems. This means more renewables at lower cost, with less disruption to communities and the environment.

We collaborate closely with our customers to help them meet strategic objectives and navigate an uncertain energy future with flexible, high-impact solutions.

The Chief of Engineering will lead a global engineering team responsible for developing new products and sustaining existing ones. This role reports to the CEO, sits on the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), interfaces with the Board, and drives key corporate initiatives.

The ideal candidate has a proven track record of leading globally distributed, multi-disciplinary teams to deliver complex programs on time, within budget, and to specification.

Responsibilities

New Product Engineering (concept → production → sunset):

• Develop hardware, software, and firmware
• Manage development risks
• Partner with Manufacturing and Supply Chain on prototyping, production cut-in, and ramp-up
• Ensure compliance with industry standards and customer requirements

Sustaining Engineering:

• Manage component, firmware, and software obsolescence
• Deliver firmware/software updates to maintain compliance
• Implement upgrades across deployed devices
• Improve manufacturability, customer experience, and BoM cost

Analytics \& Application Engineering:

• Educate external stakeholders on products
• Support proposals, tenders, contracting, and project delivery

Engineering Team Leadership:

• Define goals and drive execution
• Build and protect intellectual property
• Recruit, train, and mentor team members
• Implement best practices (FMECA, Safety in Design, DfX, design reviews)
• Support company-wide budgeting processes

Requirements

• BS in Engineering or Scientific discipline
• 15\+ years of experience in energy or industrial sectors
• 10\+ years leading technical teams
• Experience in product development or sustaining engineering
• Proven ability to execute complex technical programs
• Strong communicator across technical and business audiences
• Experience leading globally distributed teams (including offshore resources)
• Ability to thrive in ambiguity and fast-paced environments

Preferred Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Engineering or Scientific discipline
• Experience in safety-critical applications
• Experience with MW-scale power electronics
• Experience with transmission grid products
• Experience working with a Technical Advisory Board (TAB)

Location

Research Triangle Park (Durham, NC)

Travel

Occasional international travel (e.g., India, Pakistan, customer and supplier visits)

Benefits

• Unlimited annual leave
• Paid volunteer time off
• 18 weeks paid parental leave
• Competitive compensation (salary, bonus, equity)

Culture

Making an impact

– Focused on meaningful change for the grid and the planet

Collaboration

– Team-driven, humble, and outcome-oriented

Accountability

– Ownership, integrity, and clear communication

Tenacious courage

– Challenging the status quo with grit and determination

Equal Opportunity

Smart Wires is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. We strongly encourage applications from underrepresented groups.