Director of Engineering

The role

You will lead the engineering work that takes a directed energy (laser) counter-drone system from R&D to production and field use. You will direct software, firmware, controls, hardware integration and test teams, and build and scale the engineering organization.

What you will do

• Set technical direction across software, firmware, controls, hardware integration and test for the full system
• Lead the R&D to production transition, taking subsystems from prototype to field-ready and manufacturable
• Lead multi-team execution under ambiguous requirements through delivery
• Lead field testing, from test article design through scoring system performance in non-lab conditions
• Build and scale the engineering organization, including hiring, structure and growing teams
• Serve as the customer and program interface, translating mission requirements into engineering execution
• Set the technical bar across the team as a hands-on engineer and leader

Required qualifications

• 10+ years in engineering with significant leadership of multi-disciplinary technical teams
• Track record taking complex hardware/software systems from R&D through production or field deployment
• Experience leading across disciplines and earning the respect of engineers in each domain
• Demonstrated ability to scale teams and turn dysfunction or ambiguity into high-performing execution
• Comfort operating hands-on in a lab and on a test range, not just in planning tools
• Must be a U.S. Person (U.S. citizen, legal permanent resident, or certain protected asylees and refugees) to access export-controlled information

Nice to have

• Active or recent DoD security clearance
• Directed energy or high energy laser weapon system experience
• Experience standing up engineering processes and tooling for a scaling organization
• US military background or deep experience working with military end users
• Track record of hiring and growing senior technical talent
• Advanced degree in a relevant engineering or physical science field

Benefits

• Competitive salary + equity
• United Health Care medical, dental and vision coverage
• Flexible 18 days PTO + 5 sick days
• Travel to field test events and range days
• Covered daily lunches and office snacks + drinks
• E-bike / scooter stipend (up to $500)
• Direct access to leadership and real ownership over your work

Before you apply

• Must be a U.S. Person to access export-controlled information or items
• Role requires access to export-controlled information

About the company

Aurelius Systems is a VC-backed defense tech startup building autonomous, edge-deployed directed energy systems for counter-UAS, including laser weapons that shoot down drones. The team is small, with roughly 10 engineers, and works with a San Francisco lab, a Detroit manufacturing hub and a private test range.