Chief Hardware Engineer - Aerospace-Grade Startup

roadrunner-studios; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Significant equity

Job summary

Roadrunner Venture Studios is seeking a Head of Hardware Engineering to lead the overall hardware program for a rainfall enhancement technology startup. You will oversee system architecture across mechanical, thermal, combustion, and controls, and drive prototypes through to production-ready hardware.

This hands-on role requires coordinating internal teams and external partners, delivering qualification, testing, and manufacturing readiness, with significant equity and a fast-paced startup

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering or related field.
• 3+ years leading hardware development from concept to production.
• Experience with CFD, combustion hardware, and high-reliability systems.

Responsibilities

• Own requirements and architecture across mechanical, thermal, combustion, structural, fluid, gas-handling, controls, and instrumentation systems.
• Lead hardware development from early design through prototypes, field-ready hardware, and production planning.
• Define verification methods, lead tests, field qualification, troubleshooting, and failure reviews.
• Manage external firms, fabricators, suppliers, and contract manufacturers; drive design for manufacturing.

Skills

Leadership

System architecture

Hardware development

Thermal/Combustion systems

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

Job description

Roadrunner Venture Studios is seeking a Head of Hardware Engineering to lead the overall hardware program for a rainfall enhancement technology startup. You will oversee system architecture across mechanical, thermal, combustion, and controls, and drive prototypes through to production-ready hardware.

This hands-on role requires coordinating internal teams and external partners, delivering qualification, testing, and manufacturing readiness, with significant equity and a fast-paced startup