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Head of Hardware

Picogrid· Engineering
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El Segundo, CA$220k - $310k + equityFull-timePosted 3mo ago

About the role

Head of Hardware at Picogrid leading the hardware engineering function from concept to high-volume production, building and scaling a full hardware organization with end-to-end ownership across disciplines, and delivering consumer-focused physical products for unmanned system orchestration.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the comprehensive hardware development lifecycle from initial concept and architecture through mass production.
  • Architect and execute all technical aspects of electrical and embedded systems, including circuit design, PCB design and layout, component selection, and system integration.
  • Architect and execute all technical aspects of mechanical and industrial design, including CAD, FEA, structural analysis, thermal analysis, DFMA, and GD&T.
  • Participate in defining engineering process standards, part numbering and revision systems, vendor relationships, R&D of supply chain, and design philosophy.
  • Define and implement the necessary design tools and methodologies for embedded design, ensuring a modern and efficient generalist hardware skillset across the team.
  • Act as the primary interface between Engineering, and Manufacturing, ensuring a product-minded approach that balances technical requirements with user experience and aesthetic quality.
  • Set the technical bar and drive a culture of being fast, flexible, and prolific, rapidly iterating on prototypes and moving from concept to high-volume production at record speed.
  • Embody and teach how to use intuition, judgement, and domain knowledge to speed up technical decisions and the design process.
  • You will be the founding member of the Hardware Engineering Department, tasked with hiring, mentoring, and leading a high-performing team of hardware engineers.
  • Successfully stand up a fully operational Hardware Engineering Department, deliver the next generation of our consumer-focused physical products, and establish the technical infrastructure for long-term product success.

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of progressive experience in hardware product development, with significant experience in a hands-on technical lead or director-level role.
  • Preferred past founding or early stage fast-growth startup experience.
  • Ability to work with ambiguity in the managed chaos of a rapidly growing startup.
  • Expert-level proficiency in the full generalist hardware skillset, encompassing PCB design, power electronics, mixed-signal circuit design, firmware integration, CAD, mechanical/thermal engineering, industrial design, and manufacturing.
  • Proven experience in taking at least two distinct products through the entire development lifecycle, from initial concept to high-volume manufacturing.
  • Deep knowledge of DFMA (Design for Manufacturability and Assembly) and supply chain management for consumer electronics.
  • Demonstrated expertise with Altium and Onshape software suites. Familiarity with Arena PLM.
  • Passion for designing beautiful products.
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with a clear ability to articulate technical strategy to executive leadership.
  • Core values or relentless execution, boundless ambition, continued learning, and kindness. Low ego and open-mindedness.

Skills

Required:Hardware leadershipElectrical and embedded systems designMechanical and industrial designDFMA and supply chain knowledgeAltium and OnshapeProduct storytelling and executive communicationHardware process Standards

Benefits

  • Base salary range: $220,000 - $310,000 per year.
  • Significant stock options with a high potential upside as an early-stage company
  • 401(k) with employer matching
  • Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)
  • Relocation assistance provided (if applicable)
  • Unlimited PTO (two-week minimum) and 11 paid holidays per year
  • Paid parental leave for both parents
  • Lunch provided when working in-office and a fully stocked kitchenette
Last updated Jul 19, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Picogrid

Integrated Systems for Modern Missions

Picogrid delivers integrated systems for modern missions, connecting sensors, platforms, and operators across land, sea, air, and space.

C2bessemer-ai-infrastructure-2026defenseedge-to-cloudinference-inflection-pointintegrationopen APIpublic safety
Company profileWebsite

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