Director of Engineering

Job Description: Director of Engineering

About the Role

The Director of Engineering will lead multidisciplinary hardware development teams spanning electrical, mechanical, embedded systems, and systems integration disciplines. This individual will establish engineering rigor, drive product development processes, manage technical execution across multiple programs, and ensure products are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with performance, quality, and regulatory requirements.

The ideal candidate combines strong technical leadership with proven experience scaling engineering organizations, implementing structured product development processes, and delivering complex products from concept through production.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing hardware engineering organization, including Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, and Hardware Integration resources.
• Review and approve major architectural decisions and technical trade studies.
• Provide technical direction and oversight for: hardware design, embedded systems integration, mechanical design and packaging, and environmental qualification.
• Own hardware development execution across all phases of the product lifecycle from conceptual design through production release.
• Drive adherence to Our Startup's Product Development Process, ensuring disciplined design reviews, risk management, and change control practices.
• Lead technical planning, resource allocation, and execution tracking across multiple concurrent development programs.
• Partner closely with Product Management, Program Management, Operations, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, Quality, and Software Engineering teams.
• Support development of product roadmaps and technology strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Ensure adherence to quality standards and compliance regulations for project milestones and to government contract requirements.
• Develop and communicate multiple project roadmaps internally and diligently update internal data systems. Effectively communicate in-flight and planned projects with metrics, KPIs, risks, dependencies, obstacles, and mitigation plans.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Systems Engineering, or a related technical discipline.
• 15\+ years of engineering experience with increasing leadership responsibility.
• Demonstrated success delivering complex hardware products from concept through production.
• Proven track record of attracting, developing, and retaining top-tier, high-performing engineering talent.
• Experience developing MILSPEC ruggedized hardware products at scale.
• Deep understanding of ISO 9000 and other quality-related best practices and certifications.
• Experience working with Agile, Kanban, and Waterfall methodologies from initial concept to production launch.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts and information, empowering non-technical executive colleagues and board members, as well as customers and partners, to make better-informed decisions.
• Ability to obtain and maintain required security clearances if necessary.

Preferred Experience

• Master's degree in Engineering or MBA.
• Experience developing products for autonomous systems, robotics, telecommunications, or mission-critical applications.
• Experience with RF systems, embedded electronics, vehicle systems, or ruggedized hardware platforms.
• Experience transitioning products from development into low-rate and high-volume production.
• Experience leading geographically distributed engineering teams.