About the RoleWe're looking for our founding
Director, Hardware Engineering to build and lead the team that takes Gallatin's software into the field. You'll own design of rugged edge compute, sensors and tactical communications; designed to work in harsh, disconnected, contested environments.
You'll build the hardware design and integration teams from the ground up, set the technical direction, and own the path from napkin sketch, to bench to fielded system. You'll work closely with our software, AI, and product leaders, and directly with operators during testing and exercises. When a system has to work in the field, you're the person accountable for making sure it does.
What You'll DoBuild and Lead the Hardware Team- Hire, develop, and lead a team of hardware design and hardware integration engineers in El Segundo
- Set clear ownership, technical standards, and a high bar for the team
- Grow the function as Gallatin scales, from individual systems to a repeatable fielding capability
Own the Hardware Strategy- Define the hardware architecture and platform choices for edge compute, vehicle-mounted systems, and fielded kits
- Make the build, buy, and partner calls on hardware and vendors, and own the trade-offs
- Plan for the realities of fielding: size, weight, power, thermal, ruggedization, and supply chain
Get Systems Fielded and Keep Them Working- Own integration from bench to deployment across sensors, radios, and tactical networks
- Lead the team through field tests and exercises, and drive what breaks back into the system
- Build repeatable processes for hardware configuration, test, deployment, and sustainment
Partner Across the Company- Work with software and AI leaders to surface hardware limits early and shape the roadmap
- Partner with security on accreditation for systems that touch classified networks
- Support customer and program conversations as the technical owner for hardware
What We're Looking For- 10+ years in hardware design, systems integration, and embedded engineering, including 3+ years leading engineering teams
- A track record of taking hardware systems from prototype to fielded, in production use
- Deep hands-on understanding of Linux-based edge systems, hardware interfaces, and networking
- Experience making hardware architecture and vendor decisions with real cost, schedule, and SWaP constraints
- Ability to hire and develop strong engineers in a fast-growing company
- Based in El Segundo, or willing to relocate
- U.S. citizenship and the willingness to obtain and maintain a Secret or Top Secret clearance
Bonus Points- Active Secret, Top Secret, or TS/SCI clearance
- Experience designing and fielding systems for DOW, especially in DDIL or tactical edge environments
- Familiarity with tactical radios, ATAK, or military communications systems
- Experience with RMF, ATO, or accreditation for classified systems
- Startup or early-stage defense tech experience building a team from scratch
- Military or operational experience working alongside end users in the field
CompensationGallatin offers competitive compensation commensurate with experience. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, skills, and location. In addition to base salary, we offer a generous equity grant, full healthcare coverage, 401(k), unlimited PTO, and the perks of working in a high-caliber, mission-driven environment.
This position may require the ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government security clearance. The successful candidate must be able to work in a classified environment when necessary.
