Director of Hardware and Production Engineering (Lead)

Director of Hardware and Production Engineering (Lead)

Location: DFW (Hybrid option)

Role Type: Flexible; Direct Hire, open to Consultant Option

Clearance Required: Must be US Citizen and ability to obtain DOD Secret. Nice to have a Secret or higher already.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Director of Hardware and Production Engineering to lead our hardware development teams and establish world-class production capabilities. This executive-level role will drive the transition from R&D prototypes to high-volume manufacturing of revolutionary GaN AESA radar systems. The ideal candidate is passionate about scaling complex RF systems from concept to production while maintaining cost-effectiveness and reliability.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team of 15-25 engineers and report directly to the Chief Technology Officer as a member of the executive leadership team. Your work will directly impact the company's ability to deliver advanced aerospace radar solutions at scale, supporting critical applications in defense, autonomous vehicles, and weather monitoring.

This role offers the unique opportunity to build production capabilities from the ground up in the rapidly growing radar technology sector. The ideal candidate thrives in fast-paced startup environments, has a proven track record of bringing complex RF products to market, and is excited about the challenge of democratizing advanced aerospace radar solutions through scalable manufacturing processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor multidisciplinary hardware engineering teams (15-25 engineers)
• Develop and execute hardware roadmaps aligned with company growth objectives
• Drive transition from prototype systems to production-ready radar platforms
• Establish production scalability strategies for multi-mission radar systems
• Oversee design and development of GaN AESA front-end systems and T/R modules
• Lead hardware integration of digital beamforming systems with supercomputing backends
• Manage development of 32-channel baseband processing hardware architectures
• Establish and scale production processes for high-power GaN radar systems
• Develop supply chain strategies for critical RF components and GaN semiconductors
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement processes
• Manage relationships with contract manufacturers and key suppliers
• Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining product quality
• Ensure thermal management solutions for high-power density GaN systems
• Lead design reviews and technical risk assessments
• Partner with executive team on technology strategy and business development initiatives

Required Experience/Skills

• Experience bringing complex RF products from prototype to production (radar, wireless telecom, EW, SIGINT)
• Proven ability to transition from TRL-7 to TRL-8 and establish repeatable, scalable production
• Experience managing BOM, suppliers, assembly, and testing processes
• Background collaborating with in-house engineering teams (RF, MechE, software, EE CCAs, power & cooling)
• Experience delivering to MILSPEC hardening requirements (temp, shock, vibe, EMP)
• Experience setting up industrial spaces with production benches, assembly, and test benches
• Local to Dallas area with familiarity of DFW PCB fabricators, mechanical machine shops, and vendors
• 12 years of hardware engineering experience with 5 years in leadership roles
• Proven track record of scaling hardware teams and production operations
• Deep understanding of RF/microwave circuit design and AESA technology
• Experience with GaN power amplifiers and high-frequency system integration
• Knowledge of production testing methodologies for RF systems
• Experience with P&L responsibility and budget management
• Understanding of quality systems (ISO 9001, AS9100) and six-sigma methodologies

Nice-to-Haves

• Ph.D. in Engineering with focus on RF systems or production engineering
• Experience with defense contractor operations and security clearance processes
• Background in automotive radar or autonomous vehicle sensor systems
• Knowledge of AI/ML applications in manufacturing and quality control
• Experience with agile hardware development methodologies
• International manufacturing and supply chain experience
• Previous startup or high-growth company experience
• MBA or advanced business degree

Education

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field required
• Professional certifications in project management (PMP) or operations preferred