Chief Hardware Architect for Drone Tech & Systems

Socket.dev; Palo Alto (CA); Hybrid; USD 304,000 - 323,000; Full time

Job summary

Wing is seeking a Head of Hardware Architecture and Technologies to lead the Hardware Development team in Palo Alto, CA. You will drive the roadmap for avionics, power, battery and charging, wireless, sensors, cameras, and motors, shaping a scalable hardware strategy from concept to manufacturing.

Ideal candidates bring 15+ years in hardware technology, 7+ years leading engineers, and a strong record of high-stakes architectural decisions with BOM cost considerations.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of progressive experience applying new technologies to hardware products in aerospace, robotics, or high-tech industries.
• 7+ years of experience managing and mentoring senior- and staff-level engineers.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience scaling, operationalizing, or commercializing new designs.
• Track record of architectural decisions balancing BOM cost and time-to-market constraints.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan the comprehensive 3-year roadmap for all technology areas to support product needs (aircraft, ground infrastructure, charging).
• Lead the hardware architecture team across Avionics, Power, Battery and Charging, Wireless, Sensors, Cameras, and Motors.
• Drive strategic hardware engineering vision aligned with commercial and operational goals.
• Partner with manufacturing to incorporate cutting-edge tech into reliable, cost-efficient scale manufacturing.
• Establish interface with cross-functional teams to improve design efficiency and quality.
• Mentor and cultivate a high-performing team of engineers with rigorous innovation.
• Influence executive leadership and external partners on architectural decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

System architecture

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Electrical/Mechanical/Aerospace Engineering or related field

Job description

Wing is seeking a Head of Hardware Architecture and Technologies to lead the Hardware Development team in Palo Alto, CA. You will drive the roadmap for avionics, power, battery and charging, wireless, sensors, cameras, and motors, shaping a scalable hardware strategy from concept to manufacturing.

Ideal candidates bring 15+ years in hardware technology, 7+ years leading engineers, and a strong record of high-stakes architectural decisions with BOM cost considerations.