Director of Design & Engineering

Position Summary

The Director of Design & Engineering leads the end-to-end development of complex, high-performance unmanned surface vessels (USV’s)  from early concept through production, launch, and lifecycle support. This role integrates industrial design, engineering, manufacturing, and digital systems into a unified product development function, ensuring innovation is both technically sound and commercially viable.

The Director will integrate design, engineering, and production into a single execution-focused function, driving rapid development cycles while maintaining high standards of performance, reliability, and safety.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Product Leadership

• Lead both short- and long-term product strategy, including roadmap development and model planning
• Drive conceptual design of new products, balancing innovation, performance, manufacturability, and cost
• Evaluate emerging technologies and integrate them into future product offerings

Design & Engineering Execution

• Oversee the creation of complete design packages, including systems architecture, construction plans, and production documentation
• Lead multidisciplinary teams across product design, mechanical systems, controls, and manufacturing engineering
• Engage and oversee the engagement of naval architects when required for design or validation
• Ensure rigorous engineering standards, performance validation, and design integrity

Program & Project Management

• Develop project schedules, budgets, and resource plans; track execution against milestones
• Manage multiple concurrent development programs from concept through production
• [Lead sea trials, testing, and product validation efforts]

Manufacturing & Production Integration

• Partner closely with manufacturing leadership to ensure seamless transition from design to production
• Guide manufacturing engineering teams in process development and production optimization
• Support production operations with technical expertise and problem resolution

Tooling & Vendor Management

• Manage tooling development from bid and sourcing through first article production
• Oversee both outsourced and in-house tooling programs
• Act as primary liaison with external vendors, consultants, and design partners

Systems & Controls Development

• Oversee development, integration, and field support of advanced manual control systems
• Coordinate and integrate the manual control systems in the USV’s with Blue Ops ‘tech stack’ team to ensure that the remote control and other autonomy and payload requirements for the USV work seamlessly togther
• Ensure reliability, usability, and performance of proprietary systems across product lines

Field Support & Continuous Improvement

• Support service teams with field issues, product improvements, and custom projects
• Incorporate real-world performance data into future design iterations

Digital Transformation & Engineering Systems

• Lead implementation and continuous improvement of CAD, PLM, and BOM systems
• Drive standardization and digital integration across engineering and manufacturing workflows

Required Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience in product development, engineering, or design within a complex manufacturing environment
• Strong background in mechanical systems, product design, and manufacturing processes
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage full product lifecycle development
• Experience with project planning, budgeting, and execution of large-scale programs
• Hands-on experience working with production teams and transitioning designs into manufacturing

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience with maritime systems, autonomous platforms, or defense-related products
• Experience in marine, transportation, or similarly complex engineered products
• Familiarity with control systems development and integration
• Experience with CAD, PLM, and BOM systems implementation or optimization
• ABYC certification or equivalent technical credentials
• Experience with NAVSEA and other military specifications
• OSHA training or equivalent safety certification

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to walk, stand, and navigate large indoor and outdoor facilities for extended periods of time.
• Ability to lift, carry, and move materials and equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis.
• Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required in designated areas or when performing specific tasks, in accordance with safety protocols and company policy.
• May be required to climb ladders, stoop, kneel, or crouch during inspections, maintenance walk-throughs, or emergency response situations.
• Regular exposure to facility operations including noise, dust, temperature fluctuations, and industrial equipment.
• Occasional off-hours or weekend work required for emergency facility responses or projects as needed
• Requires frequent use of a computer and other standard office equipment for documentation, communication, and coordination tasks.

Background Check

This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal and state law.

EEO and ITAR/EAR Work Authorization Disclosure

Red Cat Holdings provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This position requires direct or indirect access to hardware, software, technology or technical data controlled under the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and the Export Administration Regulations (EAR). Successful candidates for positions subject to ITAR/EAR restrictions must provide proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence and must not require sponsorship for export-restricted work authorization.

E-Verify

The company participates E-Verify ensure eligibility for employment and compliance with Right to Work rules.

Compensation: Base pay, plus generous annual equity package and potential bonuses.