Head of Hardware

The role

You will lead the hardware engineering function and the full development lifecycle of physical products. You will build and scale a hardware department from the ground up to deliver consumer-focused products.

What you will do

• Lead the hardware development lifecycle from concept to mass production.
• Architect electrical and embedded systems including circuit design and PCB layout.
• Architect mechanical and industrial design including CAD, FEA, and thermal analysis.
• Define engineering process standards, part numbering, and vendor relationships.
• Implement design tools and methodologies for embedded design.
• Interface between Engineering and Manufacturing.
• Drive a culture of rapid prototyping and high-volume production.
• Hire, mentor, and lead a team of hardware engineers.
• Stand up a fully operational Hardware Engineering Department.

Required qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in hardware product development.
• Significant experience in a hands-on technical lead or director-level role.
• Ability to work with ambiguity in a rapidly growing startup.
• Expert-level proficiency in PCB design, power electronics, mixed-signal circuit design, firmware integration, CAD, mechanical/thermal engineering, industrial design, and manufacturing.
• Proven experience in taking at least two distinct products through the entire development lifecycle to high-volume manufacturing.
• Deep knowledge of DFMA and supply chain management for consumer electronics.
• Demonstrated expertise with Altium and Onshape software suites.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills.
• Core values of relentless execution, boundless ambition, continued learning, and kindness.

Nice to have

• Past founding or early stage fast-growth startup experience.
• Experience as a former founder or founding engineer at a successful, fast-moving hardware startup.
• Strong portfolio of successful products with a hard focus on industrial design and consumer product experience.
• Experience managing or leading product development efforts that are highly iterative and complex.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field.
• A track record of being prolific and delivering rapid, high-quality results in a resource-constrained environment.
• Familiarity with Arena PLM.

Benefits

• Significant stock options
• 401(k) with employer matching
• Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)
• Relocation assistance provided (if applicable)
• Unlimited PTO (two-week minimum)
• 11 paid holidays per year
• Paid parental leave for both parents
• Lunch provided when working in-office
• Fully stocked kitchenette

Before you apply

• Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, Refugee, or Asylee, or be eligible to obtain required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

About the company

Picogrid is a venture-backed defense technology company building infrastructure to unify sensors, autonomy, and operators. Their mission is to deliver an operational advantage to secure the United States and its allies.