The Role and Your Impact:We need an Engineering Director to own the path from R&D to production across the whole system. You'll lead multiple engineering disciplines from software, firmware, controls, hardware integration, test, and drive the hard handoff from a thing that works in the lab to a thing that survives downrange and gets built at volume. This is the person who turns a demonstrator into a weapon system. You'll set technical direction, and run the org that executes it.
What You'll Own:- Technical direction across software, firmware, controls, hardware integration, and test for the full system
- The R&D to production transition and authority architecture taking subsystems from prototype through field-ready and manufacturable
- Multi-team execution under ambiguous requirements, charting clear guidance and seeing projects through delivery
- Field testing leadership, from test article design through scoring system performance in non-lab conditions
- Building and scaling the engineering org from hiring, structure, and growing high-performing teams from the ground up
- Customer and program interface, translating mission requirements into engineering execution
- The technical bar across the team. An engineer first, and leader second. You raise it by how you work, not by what you say
What We're Looking For:- 12+ 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 - you don't have to be the deepest in every domain, but you have to earn the respect of engineers who are
- 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
Nice to Haves:- 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 org
- US military background or deep experience working with military end users
- Track record of hiring and growing senior technical talent
Education:Advanced degree in a relevant engineering or physical science field is a plus, but track record beats credentials. No specific degree required.
How You Operate:- Extreme bias for action. You'd rather solve it now than schedule a meeting about it
- You handle problems before they hit anyone's inbox
- Comfortable with ambiguity and fast iteration in a startup environment
- Clear communicator across engineering, leadership, customers, and the range
- Self directed. You identify what needs to happen next and do it without being told
How We Work:Core hours are Monday through Friday, 9 to 6. When we're sprinting toward a demo or field test, the team ramps up - nights, weekends, whatever it takes to ship. When the sprint lands, we ramp down. We don't manufacture intensity for show.
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
