Director of Hardware and Production Engineering
5 Days Old
Director of Hardware and Production Engineering Founded in 2016, this California-based aerospace company specializes in high-resolution radar systems for autonomous vehicles, defense applications, and wind energy sectors. They develop advanced phased-array radar technology that delivers enhanced performance at reduced costs compared to traditional solutions.
We are seeking an experienced Director of Hardware and Production Engineering to lead our hardware development teams and establish world-class production capabilities. This executive-level role will drive the transition from R&D prototypes to high-volume manufacturing of revolutionary GaN AESA radar systems.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and mentor multidisciplinary hardware engineering teams (15-25 engineers)
Develop and execute hardware roadmaps aligned with company growth objectives
Drive transition from prototype systems to production-ready radar platforms
Establish production scalability strategies for multi-mission radar systems
Oversee design and development of GaN AESA front-end systems and T/R modules
Lead hardware integration of digital beamforming systems with supercomputing backends
Manage development of 32-channel baseband processing hardware architectures
Establish and scale production processes for high-power GaN radar systems
Develop supply chain strategies for critical RF components and GaN semiconductors
Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement processes
Manage relationships with contract manufacturers and key suppliers
Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining product quality
Ensure thermal management solutions for high-power density GaN systems
Lead design reviews and technical risk assessments
Partner with executive team on technology strategy and business development initiatives
Required Experience/Skills:
12+ years of hardware engineering experience with 5+ years in leadership roles
Experience bringing complex RF products from prototype to production (radar, wireless telecom, EW, SIGINT)
Proven ability to transition from TRL-7 to TRL-8 and establish repeatable, scalable production
Experience managing BOM, suppliers, assembly, and testing processes
Background collaborating with in-house engineering teams (RF, MechE, software, EE CCAs, power & cooling)
Experience delivering to MILSPEC hardening requirements (temp, shock, vibe, EMP)
Experience setting up industrial spaces with production benches, assembly, and test benches
Local to Dallas area with familiarity of DFW PCB fabricators, mechanical machine shops, and vendors
Proven track record of scaling hardware teams and production operations
Deep understanding of RF/microwave circuit design and AESA technology
Experience with GaN power amplifiers and high-frequency system integration
Knowledge of production testing methodologies for RF systems
Experience with P&L responsibility and budget management
Understanding of quality systems (ISO 9001, AS9100) and six-sigma methodologies
Nice-to-Haves:
Ph.D. in Engineering with focus on RF systems or production engineering
Experience with defense contractor operations and security clearance processes
Background in automotive radar or autonomous vehicle sensor systems
Knowledge of AI/ML applications in manufacturing and quality control
Experience with agile hardware development methodologies
International manufacturing and supply chain experience
Previous startup or high-growth company experience
MBA or advanced business degree
Education:
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field required
Professional certifications in project management (PMP) or operations preferred
Pay & Benefits Summary:
Competitive executive-level salary commensurate with experience
Significant equity participation in a rapidly growing technology company
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company matching
Flexible PTO and sabbatical opportunities
Professional development budget and conference attendance
Executive coaching and leadership development programs
Access to cutting-edge R&D facilities and equipment
State-of-the-art laboratory and production facilities
Collaborative, innovation-driven culture
We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from diverse candidates.
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- Location:
- Plano, TX, United States
- Job Type:
- FullTime
- Category:
- Engineering