Director of Engineering - (Electrical / Hardware)

Director of Engineering - (Electrical / Hardware) On-site: Madison, Wisconsin (Relocation Assistance provided) Join a well-established engineering company specializing in defense and aerospace embedded systems.

This leadership role offers the opportunity to guide a technical engineering team in a collaborative, results-driven environment that prioritizes technical excellence and innovation.

Our client develops sophisticated embedded systems for military and aerospace applications, working with prime contractors and maintaining strong customer relationships across the defense sector.

This position offers career growth opportunities with structured advancement based on demonstrated technical leadership and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead engineering teams through embedded systems development lifecycle
• Establish performance measurement systems and optimize team productivity
• Interface with customers on technical requirements, proposals, and program management
• Oversee hardware design projects including computing platforms and power systems
• Collaborate across disciplines to deliver complex defense products
• Build relationships with prime contractors and manage customer programs
• Ensure compliance with military standards and development processes
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to engineering staff

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering
• Extensive embedded design experience prior to transitioning to management
• Strong people management background including performance reviews, hiring/firing, and team building
• Hardware design expertise including: High-end computing platforms and FPGA development
• Standards-based embedded products
• Power supply design for embedded systems
• Software familiarity with BIOS, real-time operating systems, and driver development
• Mechanical understanding of embedded system packaging and thermal design
• Defense/aerospace project experience with prime contractors
• Knowledge of military standards and development processes
• Customer-facing experience with technical program management and proposals
• U.S. citizenship required
• Must be available for on-site work

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package
• Excellent base salary commensurate with experience ($180k+)
• Comprehensive benefits
• Relocation assistance available
• Professional development opportunities
• Minimal travel requirements

Company Culture

This role suits a hands-on technical leader who values direct communication and collaborative problem-solving. The organization promotes a flat hierarchy and values technical expertise alongside leadership capabilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers.

For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity: California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at . Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available. Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information: Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants. Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation. New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.