Overview
On Site
Depends on Experience
Full Time
Skills
Systems
Program Management
Job Details
Director of Hardware and Production Engineering
Engineering Department
Location: Dallas/Fort Worth, TX or San Francisco, CA - Hybrid (On-site/Remote Mix)
This role requires regular on-site presence for lab work and team collaboration, with flexibility for remote work on strategic and planning activities.
Type: Full-Time Position
About Our Client
Our client is an innovative technology company founded in 2016 that develops cutting-edge high-resolution phased-array radar systems. They serve customers across aerospace and defense, wind energy, autonomy, and weather sectors with a mission to deliver advanced aerospace radar solutions at significantly reduced costs. The company specializes in commercializing complete C-band high-resolution multi-mission radar systems featuring GaN AESA front-ends, digital beam-forming, and supercomputing backends. All radar systems are 100% commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), scalable, and designed for cost-effective production.
Job Description
We're seeking an exceptional Director of Hardware and Production Engineering to lead the transformation from innovative prototypes to scalable manufacturing operations. This executive-level position will drive the commercialization of revolutionary GaN AESA radar systems while building world-class production capabilities. You'll lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through complex hardware development challenges, establish lean manufacturing processes, and ensure our cutting-edge radar technology can be delivered at scale without compromising quality or cost-effectiveness.
The ideal candidate is passionate about bridging the gap between breakthrough technology and practical manufacturing solutions. You'll collaborate directly with the executive team on technology strategy, work closely with cross-functional teams from systems engineering to sales, and have the unique opportunity to shape the future of radar manufacturing. This role offers significant impact on both technical direction and business outcomes, making it perfect for a leader who thrives on translating complex RF systems into production-ready products.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary hardware engineering teams of 10-15 engineers across RF, digital, and production disciplines
• Develop and execute comprehensive hardware roadmaps aligned with aggressive company growth objectives
• Drive the critical transition from R&D prototypes to production-ready GaN AESA radar platforms
• Establish scalable production processes and manufacturing strategies for high-power radar systems
• Oversee design and development of GaN AESA front-end systems and transmit/receive modules
• Manage hardware integration of digital beamforming systems with advanced supercomputing backends
• Implement design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for testability (DFT) best practices
• Develop robust supply chain strategies for critical RF components and GaN semiconductors
• Lead cost reduction initiatives while maintaining stringent quality and performance standards
• Establish production testing programs and quality assurance protocols
• Manage strategic relationships with contract manufacturers and key technology suppliers
• Ensure thermal management solutions for high-power density GaN systems meet performance requirements
• Drive development of mmW imaging radar systems operating in the 76-81GHz frequency band
• Champion best practices in high-frequency PCB design and EMI/EMC compliance
• Partner with executive team on technology strategy and business development initiatives
Required Experience/Skills
• 12+ years of progressive hardware engineering experience with minimum 5 years in senior leadership roles
• Proven track record of successfully scaling hardware teams and production operations from startup to high-volume
• Demonstrated experience transitioning complex RF/microwave systems from R&D prototypes to full production
• Deep expertise in RF/microwave circuit design and Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology
• Hands-on experience with GaN power amplifiers and high-frequency system integration challenges
• Background in high-volume manufacturing of sophisticated electronic systems with P&L responsibility
• Knowledge of production testing methodologies specifically for RF and radar systems
• Understanding of thermal management solutions for high-power density electronic systems
• Experience with quality systems including ISO 9001, AS9100, and six-sigma methodologies
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements including FCC, ITAR, and MIL-STD compliance
• Strong business acumen with experience in budget management and supply chain optimization
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with ability to influence across all organizational levels
Nice-to-Haves
• Ph.D. in Engineering with focus on RF systems or production engineering
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or automotive radar industries
• Background with defense contractor operations and security clearance processes
• Knowledge of AI/ML applications in manufacturing quality control and process optimization
• Experience with agile hardware development methodologies and rapid prototyping
• International manufacturing and supply chain management experience
• Previous startup or high-growth technology company experience
• Professional certifications in project management (PMP) or operations management
• Familiarity with contract manufacturing and offshore production strategies
Education
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field required.
MBA or advanced business degree strongly preferred.
Pay & Benefits Summary
• Competitive executive-level salary commensurate with experience and market rates
• Significant equity participation in a rapidly growing technology company with strong growth potential
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with premium coverage options
• 401(k) retirement plan with generous company matching contribution
• Flexible paid time off (PTO) policy and sabbatical opportunities for long-term employees
• Professional development budget for conferences, training, and executive coaching programs
• Access to cutting-edge R&D facilities and state-of-the-art laboratory equipment
• Flexible work arrangements combining on-site collaboration with remote work flexibility
• Executive leadership development programs and cross-functional business exposure
• Opportunity for direct equity participation in company growth and success
Ready to lead the future of radar manufacturing? Join our executive team and help democratize advanced aerospace radar solutions at scale! This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on breakthrough technology while building world-class production capabilities.
Apply now to shape the future of radar systems!
Keywords: Hardware Engineering Director | Production Engineering | RF Engineering | AESA Radar | GaN Technology | Manufacturing Leadership | Electronics Production | Aerospace Engineering | Defense Technology | Hardware Development
Engineering Department
Location: Dallas/Fort Worth, TX or San Francisco, CA - Hybrid (On-site/Remote Mix)
This role requires regular on-site presence for lab work and team collaboration, with flexibility for remote work on strategic and planning activities.
Type: Full-Time Position
About Our Client
Our client is an innovative technology company founded in 2016 that develops cutting-edge high-resolution phased-array radar systems. They serve customers across aerospace and defense, wind energy, autonomy, and weather sectors with a mission to deliver advanced aerospace radar solutions at significantly reduced costs. The company specializes in commercializing complete C-band high-resolution multi-mission radar systems featuring GaN AESA front-ends, digital beam-forming, and supercomputing backends. All radar systems are 100% commercial off-the-shelf (COTS), scalable, and designed for cost-effective production.
Job Description
We're seeking an exceptional Director of Hardware and Production Engineering to lead the transformation from innovative prototypes to scalable manufacturing operations. This executive-level position will drive the commercialization of revolutionary GaN AESA radar systems while building world-class production capabilities. You'll lead multidisciplinary engineering teams through complex hardware development challenges, establish lean manufacturing processes, and ensure our cutting-edge radar technology can be delivered at scale without compromising quality or cost-effectiveness.
The ideal candidate is passionate about bridging the gap between breakthrough technology and practical manufacturing solutions. You'll collaborate directly with the executive team on technology strategy, work closely with cross-functional teams from systems engineering to sales, and have the unique opportunity to shape the future of radar manufacturing. This role offers significant impact on both technical direction and business outcomes, making it perfect for a leader who thrives on translating complex RF systems into production-ready products.
Duties and Responsibilities
• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary hardware engineering teams of 10-15 engineers across RF, digital, and production disciplines
• Develop and execute comprehensive hardware roadmaps aligned with aggressive company growth objectives
• Drive the critical transition from R&D prototypes to production-ready GaN AESA radar platforms
• Establish scalable production processes and manufacturing strategies for high-power radar systems
• Oversee design and development of GaN AESA front-end systems and transmit/receive modules
• Manage hardware integration of digital beamforming systems with advanced supercomputing backends
• Implement design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for testability (DFT) best practices
• Develop robust supply chain strategies for critical RF components and GaN semiconductors
• Lead cost reduction initiatives while maintaining stringent quality and performance standards
• Establish production testing programs and quality assurance protocols
• Manage strategic relationships with contract manufacturers and key technology suppliers
• Ensure thermal management solutions for high-power density GaN systems meet performance requirements
• Drive development of mmW imaging radar systems operating in the 76-81GHz frequency band
• Champion best practices in high-frequency PCB design and EMI/EMC compliance
• Partner with executive team on technology strategy and business development initiatives
Required Experience/Skills
• 12+ years of progressive hardware engineering experience with minimum 5 years in senior leadership roles
• Proven track record of successfully scaling hardware teams and production operations from startup to high-volume
• Demonstrated experience transitioning complex RF/microwave systems from R&D prototypes to full production
• Deep expertise in RF/microwave circuit design and Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology
• Hands-on experience with GaN power amplifiers and high-frequency system integration challenges
• Background in high-volume manufacturing of sophisticated electronic systems with P&L responsibility
• Knowledge of production testing methodologies specifically for RF and radar systems
• Understanding of thermal management solutions for high-power density electronic systems
• Experience with quality systems including ISO 9001, AS9100, and six-sigma methodologies
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements including FCC, ITAR, and MIL-STD compliance
• Strong business acumen with experience in budget management and supply chain optimization
• Excellent leadership and communication skills with ability to influence across all organizational levels
Nice-to-Haves
• Ph.D. in Engineering with focus on RF systems or production engineering
• Experience in aerospace, defense, or automotive radar industries
• Background with defense contractor operations and security clearance processes
• Knowledge of AI/ML applications in manufacturing quality control and process optimization
• Experience with agile hardware development methodologies and rapid prototyping
• International manufacturing and supply chain management experience
• Previous startup or high-growth technology company experience
• Professional certifications in project management (PMP) or operations management
• Familiarity with contract manufacturing and offshore production strategies
Education
Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field required.
MBA or advanced business degree strongly preferred.
Pay & Benefits Summary
• Competitive executive-level salary commensurate with experience and market rates
• Significant equity participation in a rapidly growing technology company with strong growth potential
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance with premium coverage options
• 401(k) retirement plan with generous company matching contribution
• Flexible paid time off (PTO) policy and sabbatical opportunities for long-term employees
• Professional development budget for conferences, training, and executive coaching programs
• Access to cutting-edge R&D facilities and state-of-the-art laboratory equipment
• Flexible work arrangements combining on-site collaboration with remote work flexibility
• Executive leadership development programs and cross-functional business exposure
• Opportunity for direct equity participation in company growth and success
Ready to lead the future of radar manufacturing? Join our executive team and help democratize advanced aerospace radar solutions at scale! This is your opportunity to make a lasting impact on breakthrough technology while building world-class production capabilities.
Apply now to shape the future of radar systems!
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