What are the responsibilities and job description for the Director, Hardware Engineering position at PDW?
Company Overview
At Performance Drone Works (PDW), we’re at the forefront of creating custom small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) for the modern warfighter. PDW is proudly American owned, with all design, engineering, and manufacturing of our products taking place domestically.
Role
PDW seeks a Director of Hardware Engineering to join our team, contributing to the next wave of system and tool development for our upcoming product lines. A successful candidate will play a senior leadership role in ensuring seamless execution of hardware engineering design projects within a fast paced, production focused environment. This individual will lead in the planning, coordination, and driving of hardware development cycles from initial design through sustainment for a variety of sUAS systems.
Responsibilities
The ideal candidate will thrive in leading a team within an innovative and fast-paced work environment, able to deal with problems on the fly, and delivers thoughtfully designed and highly adaptable systems on time.
- Lead, mentor, and grow a team of world-class hardware engineers to design and deliver high-quality hardware and systems.
- Directs and coordinates the activities of the Hardware Engineering Department including planning, setting priorities and assignment of resources.
- Work to execute effective tasking and work management structures within sprint planning, product/requirements formation, and other engineering planning and controls rituals.
- Form and execute strong systems for configuration management and production support, emplacing resources (staff and tools) in support workstreams.
- Oversee, assist and review during hardware development processes including schematic, layout, procurement, testing and deployment.
- Identify and mitigate technical risks while ensuring high-reliability product development.
- Oversee relationships with key suppliers, contract manufacturers, and external engineering partners.
- Work directly with procurement team in identification, qualification, and management of primary department and company suppliers.
- Participate in interviewing, hiring, mentoring, and training employees within the Hardware Engineering Department.
- Oversee formation of PCBA part availability program to mitigate risks, part obsolesce and piece-part risk purchasing program with Procurement Team.
- Oversee formation of and contribute to team testing criteria, plans and test fixtures for design verification and production certification.
- Generate engineering-grade reports, perform part cost analysis, and define part performance measurement criteria.
- Collaborate with a strong engineering team and company stakeholders.
Requirements
- Expert-level Hardware Engineering team leadership experience of at least seven years or more.
- Exceptional problem-solving skills and a hands-on approach to leadership.
- Expert-level experience and knowledge of electronic hardware and system design.
- Expert-level experience with Altium Designer or other PCB design software.
- Experience working in a multi-disciplined development environment including Product, Software, Mechanical, Testing and Manufacturing teams.
- Experience with designing and delivering engineering solutions for high volume production.
- Experience in creating detailed tasking and execution plans from high level project requirements.
- Experience with high power systems; including a strong understanding of circuit design constraints inside these systems.
- Experience with MIPI-CSI, MIPI-DSI, Gigabit Ethernet and other high speed signals. Strong understanding of design constraints for implementing high-speed signals.
- Knowledge of common communication buses; such as I2C, CAN, UART, and SPI – along with their debugging procedures.
- Experience with designing PCB stack ups that are optimized for power and thermal distribution and noise reduction.
- Experience in UAV, UAS, aircraft or robotics development, and/or hobby drones is highly preferred.
- Proficiency in MS Office tools.
- Proficiency with the Atlassian tool suite, including Jira and Confluence.
- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and 10-15 years professional Hardware Engineering experience.
ITAR Requirement
In compliance with International Traffic Arms Regulations (ITAR), candidates must be U.S. Citizens, U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) or individuals granted asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).
Compensation and Benefits
PDW values our team, and we offer a compensation package reflective of your experience and capabilities. Benefits include:
- Comprehensive BCBS medical, dental, and vision coverage; 80% sponsored by the company.
- Safe Harbor 401(K) with company match.
- A relaxed work environment that encourages individuality and innovation.
- Competitive salary, generous paid time off (PTO), and flexible leave options.
Commitment to Inclusivity
PDW is an equal opportunity employer that upholds all federal and state non-discrimination laws. We ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation for employment for all qualified candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, medical condition, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
