Head of Hardware Development

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own end-to-end engineering delivery of hardware products - structures, fluid systems, mechanisms, primary structure, avionics enclosures - from concept through manufacturing, qualification, and field support
• Lead, hire, develop, and mentor a team of engineers; set the bar for technical excellence and total ownership across the department
• Define and execute the technical roadmap for the Hardware Development department, balancing flight-ready execution with the build-out of containerized, mass-producible product lines
• Own department headcount, schedule and planning; allocate resources to maximize mission impact per dollar
• Drive design reviews, qualification plans, and risk-based decision-making; serve as the senior technical authority on hardware architecture and major trade studies
• Partner cross-functionally with propulsion, avionics, GNC, manufacturing, supply chain, and test/launch leadership to integrate hardware into flight-ready systems on aggressive schedules
• Represent Long Wall hardware capabilities to executive leadership, customers, and program partners, including the U.S. Government and allied defense organizations

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Education: B.S. in Mechanical, Aerospace, or related engineering discipline from an accredited university
• Experience: 8–12 years of progressive industry experience in hardware design and development, including direct people-management responsibility for multiple engineers, disciplines, or sub-teams

REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Proven track record taking flight or mission-critical hardware from concept through qualification and field operations in aerospace, defense, or similarly high-stakes environments
Direct management of engineering teams with accountability for hiring, performance, and career development
Ownership of departmental roadmap and investment, with experience making cost/schedule/risk trade-offs across multiple programs
Deep technical fluency in mechanical design, structural mechanics, fluid systems, manufacturing processes, GD&T, and DFM/DFA principles
Strong analytical foundation across hand calculations and FEA/CFD tools (e.g., ANSYS, ABAQUS, NASTRAN); able to challenge analysis and red-team designs
Excellent written and verbal communication; able to brief executive leadership, customers, and government stakeholders on technical scope, risk, and progress

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Prior experience as a Head, Director, or Senior Manager of hardware engineering at a launch, missile, satellite, or defense systems company
Experience scaling a hardware engineering function from prototype to rate production, including the introduction of containerized or mass-producible designs
Familiarity with U.S. missile defense, hypersonics, or tactical/strategic deterrent programs and the associated customer environment (MDA, DoD, allied partners)
Working knowledge of major CAD platforms (NX, CATIA, CREO/Pro-E) and PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill)
Demonstrated ability to lead through ambiguity and shifting priorities on aggressive, mission-driven schedules
Active or recent U.S. security clearance (Secret or above)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time
• Ability to use a computer to complete assignments
• Ability to communicate with individuals and groups in person, by phone and telepresence
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will typically work in an office environment
• Ability to travel between sites as needed by company