Picogrid

Picogrid

Head of Hardware

El Segundo, CA · Director

Sponsorship not specified$220k-$270kDetected 131 days ago
Supply ChainFEAThermal AnalysisStructural AnalysisPCB DesignAltiumEmbedded SystemsElectrical EngineeringHardware DesignPower ElectronicsLeadershipCommunicationCollaborationMentoring

About the role

  • This is a highly demanding, hands-on role for a true generalist and leader ready to stand up a world-class department from the ground up.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the comprehensive hardware development lifecycle from initial concept and architecture through mass production.
  • Architect and execute all technical aspects of electrical and embedded systems, including circuit design, PCB design and layout, component selection, and system integration.
  • Architect and execute all technical aspects of mechanical and industrial design, including CAD, FEA, structural analysis, thermal analysis, DFMA, and GD&T.
  • Participate in defining engineering process standards, part numbering and revision systems, vendor relationships, R&D of supply chain, and design philosophy.
  • Define and implement the necessary design tools and methodologies for embedded design, ensuring a modern and efficient generalist hardware skillset across the team.
  • Embody and teach how to use intuition, judgement, and domain knowledge to speed up technical decisions and the design process.
  • Successfully stand up a fully operational Hardware Engineering Department, deliver the next generation of our consumer-focused physical products, and establish the technical infrastructure for long-term product success.
  • Today, we're building the essential infrastructure to unify sensors, autonomy, and operators with our technology deployed in active operations around the world.
  • Work with a team of hardworking, ambitious, world-leading talent to build the future of unmanned system behavior orchestration.

Requirements

  • Ability to work with ambiguity in the managed chaos of a rapidly growing startup.
  • Proven experience in taking at least two distinct products through the entire development lifecycle, from initial concept to high-volume manufacturing.
  • Demonstrated expertise with Altium and Onshape software suites.
  • Familiarity with Arena PLM.
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with a clear ability to articulate technical strategy to executive leadership.
  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Nice to have

  • Experience as a former founder or founding engineer at a successful, fast-moving hardware startup, demonstrating the capacity for standing up a department or discipline from zero.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field. (Degree not required).
  • A track record of being prolific and delivering rapid, high-quality results in a resource-constrained and fast-paced environment.
  • 401(k) with employer matching
  • Relocation assistance provided (if applicable)
  • Lunch provided when working in-office and a fully stocked kitchenette
  • Preferred past founding or early stage fast-growth startup experience.

Compensation

  • Unlimited PTO (two-week minimum) and 11 paid holidays per year
  • $220,000- $270,000 per year.
  • Base salary is just one part of your total compensation package at Picogrid.

Benefits

  • Set the technical bar and drive a culture of being fast, flexible, and prolific, rapidly iterating on prototypes and moving from concept to high-volume production at record speed.
  • Significant stock options with a high potential upside as an early-stage company
  • Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)
  • Paid parental leave for both parents

Company info

  • Picogrid is a leading venture-backed defense technology company founded to bridge the decades-long gap between modern technology and the critical demands of national security.
  • Our mission is to deliver an operational advantage to secure the United States and its allies.

Equal opportunity

  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • Export Control Requirements

This listing is sourced directly from Picogrid's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.