Director of Hardware Engineering Job at Firestorm in San Diego

 
 
 
Director of Hardware Engineering 

Company Overview:   

Firestorm emerged from a pressing question: how can a US ally with a limited defense budget deter aggressive state entities with substantial military resources? Our solution embodies “democratized deterrence.” As a VC-backed technology firm at the intersection of defense and innovation, we develop adaptable aerial vehicles aimed at empowering operators while significantly decreasing traditional defense procurement costs. 

About the Role: 

Reporting to the VP of Hardware, the Director of Hardware Engineering will lead the Mechanical, Electrical, and Test Engineering teams to deliver Firestorm’s product offerings through all phases of development, production, and sustainment. This role is pivotal in ensuring that our cutting-edge designs and technologies meet the highest standards of quality and operational effectiveness. 

About You: 

You are an experienced professional who has successfully led Hardware Teams within a startup environment. You have a strong understanding of Hardware Development processes and the necessary competencies for high-tech, electro-mechanical products, with a preference for experience in unmanned aerospace or aviation. As a former engineer, you possess empathy for team dynamics and problem-solving within a professional engineering discipline. Your commitment to quality and passion for exceeding customer expectations sets you apart. You highly value and can retain an engaged workforce. You are a collaborative leader who inspires technical team collaboration across various disciplines, harmonizing differing perspectives. 

Responsibilities: 

• Ensure the development of a high-quality engineering work plan, tracking progress and mitigating risks. 

• Achieve Hardware development milestones (both internal and cross-functional) on time, collaborating closely with Software, Autonomy, and Flight Science Team Leads. 

• Meet Hardware Product Development milestones, ensuring detailed checklists for each milestone are completed, while providing assessments of risks and recommendations. 

• Coach and mentor Engineering Leads in the mechanical, electrical, and test engineering disciplines. 

• Obtain and allocate resources to fulfill team commitments effectively. 

• Approve the selection of components and subsystems to align with project goals. 

• Identify opportunities and requirements for Research and Development (R&D) and develop corresponding exit criteria. 

• Execute on aircraft platform designs, focusing both on new platforms and sustaining existing ones. 

• Oversee Team Engineering Verification Testing (EVT) and Design Verification Testing (DVT) planning, execution, reporting, and coordination with Manufacturing for production verification testing. 

Team / Department Deliverables and Work Product: 

• Functional Specifications 

• Released Product File (including BOM, specifications/drawings, initial vendors, test reports, etc.) 

• Detailed development schedules 

• Risks, mitigations, and recommendations 

• Management of sustaining and R&D backlogs 

• EVT and DVT test reports and recommendations 

Skills and Experience Required: 

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience as a Hardware Manager delivering products in engineering disciplines related to Firestorm's core products (experience in a startup environment is a plus). 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent; Master’s preferred. 

• Proven ability to plan and oversee Hardware Engineering activities across multiple products. 

• Experience in hiring, coaching, and leading manufacturing teams to achieve operational excellence. 

Other Requirements: 

• Ability to lift up to 20 lbs. 

• U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with government clearance and certain other restricted positions. 

• Understanding and adherence to local labor laws and Firestorm’s employment policies. 

• Other duties as assigned 

Firestorm is committed to building and sustaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and make decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. U.S. Citizenship / U.S. Permanent Resident is required for all positions requiring government clearance and certain other restricted positions.  

Salary Range: 170K - 190K