Director of Engineering - Mechanical

Building next-generation defense systems designed to solve the hardest national security challenges. Our team combines deep technical expertise with rapid, mission-driven execution to deliver advanced hardware and software solutions for modern defense operations.

We operate with startup speed and defense-grade rigor, partnering closely with government and industry to bring breakthrough capabilities from concept to deployment

.
Role Overvi

ew
We are seeking a partner to the VP of Engineer ing who will serve as a strategic and operational partner to the engineering leadership team, with a strong emphasis on mechanical engineering systems and hardware developm e

nt.
This role is ideal for an experienced mechanical engineer who wants to operate at b oth technical and executive le vels. You will help drive engineering strategy, coordinate complex hardware programs, and ensure alignment across mechanical, electrical, and software te

ams.
You will act as a force multiplier for the VP of Engine ering, translating strategy into execution while helping scale the organization, engineering processes, and hardware development pipe

line.
Key Responsibi

lities
Engineering Leadership & Technical Ov

• ersightPartner with the CTO and VP of Engineering to shape technical strategy and hardware archi
• tectureProvide senior guida nce on mechanical system design, integration, and manufa
• cturingLead cross-functional coordination b etween mechanical, electrical, software, and systems engineerin
• g teamsSupport design reviews, architecture decisions, and engineering trade
• studiesEnsure mechanical system s meet performance, reliability, and defense-grade requi

rements
Program E

• xecutionDrive execution of complex hardware development programs from concept to pr
• oductionTrack engineering milestones, risks, and dependencies across
• programsCoordinate with program managers to ensure on-time and on-budget
• deliveryIdentify technical and operational bottlenecks and implement s

olutions
Operational L

• eadersh ipAct as a partner t o the CTO, helping manage priorities, initiatives, and internal comm
• unicationEstablish a nd scale engineering processes, documentation, and development
• workflowsSupport hiring strategy and team structure for the mechanical engineering org
• anizationDrive operational cadence i ncluding design reviews, roadmap planning, and engineerin

g updates
External & Strategic Col

• laborationInterface with defense customers, partners, and suppliers
• as neededSupport proposal development and technical strategy for governmen
• t programsHelp translate mission requirements into engineering execu

tion plans
Required Qua

• lifications10+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, hardware systems, or defense
• technologyStrong bac kground in mechanical system design and
• developmentExperie nce taking hardware products from concept through prototyping and
• productionExperience working in multidisciplinary engine
• ering teamsStrong project management and organizational leader
• ship skillsAbility to op erate in a fast-moving startup
• environmentU.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain or hold a securit

y clearance
Preferred Qu

• alificationsEx perience in defense, aerospace, robotics, autonomous systems, or advan
• ced hardwarePrevious expe rience as a technical program lead, engineering manager, or staff/princi
• pal engineerFamil iarity with DoD acquisition programs and defense
• contractingExpe rience with DFM, manufacturing scale-up, and supply chai
• n managementBa ckground in systems engineering or hardware-software

integration
Ideal Cand

idate ProfileThe ideal

• ca ndidate is:A high-ag ency engineer who thrives in ambiguous
• environmentsComfortable switc hing between deep technical work and executive
• coordination Motivated by mission-driven work and national se
• curity impactCapable of acti ng as both a technical leader and operationa