Director, Mechanical Engineering

Axon; Arizona; Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and 401k

Discretionary paid time off

Paid parental leave

Fitness programs

Emotional & mental wellness support

Snacks in offices

Job summary

Axon is seeking a Director of Mechanical Engineering who will lead the development of life-saving technologies from concept to production. This role involves managing a team of mechanical engineers and overseeing innovative product designs that ensure public safety. The successful candidate will work closely with cross-functional teams and external partners, bringing their extensive experience in high-volume manufacturing to the forefront.

The position is based in Scottsdale, AZ, adhering to a hybrid work model that fosters collaboration and innovation.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of product design experience in high-end consumer or professional electronic products.
• 6+ years of leading mechanical engineering teams.
• Experience with high volume manufacturing and assembly processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead and inspire a team of mechanical engineers.
• Review and guide the detailed design and development.
• Forge connections with other departments and external partners.

Skills

Leadership in mechanical engineering

Product design experience

Collaboration with cross-functional teams

3D CAD modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

CREO

Job description

At Axon, we’re on a mission to Protect Life. We’re explorers, pursuing society’s most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and each other.

Life at Axon is fast-paced, challenging and meaningful. Here, you’ll take ownership and drive real change. Constantly grow as you work hard for a mission that matters at a company where you matter.

Your Impact

Axon is committed to improving public safety by developing cutting‑edge, innovative technologies. Known for developing the original TASER energy weapon, the Axon engineering team is tasked with continual excellence to keep the organization at the forefront of the market. The Director of Mechanical Engineering has full responsibility over the development of next generation life‑saving technology from conceptualization through production. Their work is highly visible to even the most senior executives. Their detailed oversight of engineering design and deliverables is instrumental to the continued growth of the engineering organization. An ideal candidate is someone who is a passionate leader and effective cross‑functional collaborator with product managers, electrical engineers, industrial designers, and manufacturing partners. This role is vital to the success of the team and ensuring the safety of the general public for generations to come. The Director of Mechanical Engineering is a hands‑on individual who isn’t hesitant to roll up their sleeves and dive into engineering design, and other engineering activities while also keeping a pulse on the strategic growth of the organization.

Work Location: This role is based out of our Scottsdale, AZ office and follows a hybrid schedule. We rely on in‑person collaboration and ask that team members work onsite Tuesdays through Fridays, with the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays, unless there is an approved workplace accommodation. We believe that connection fuels innovation, and our in‑office culture is designed to foster meaningful teamwork, mentorship, and shared success.

What You'll Do

Location: Scottsdale, AZ. Reports to: Vice President, Mechanical Engineering.

• Lead and inspire a talented team of mechanical engineers to innovate, create, and achieve their full potential in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment.
• Review and guide the detailed design, development, and testing of cutting‑edge mechanical products, systems, and components.
• Enforce engineering rigor and due diligence throughout development lifecycle.
• Ensure projects are executed with precision and meet the highest quality standards.
• Shape and execute the mechanical engineering strategy that drives our company's mission and vision.
• Forge connections with other departments, from marketing to manufacturing, to create a cohesive business strategy.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners and vendors.
• Regularly communicate project progress, key milestones, and any challenges that arise to senior management.
• Utilize creative problem solving skills to lead ideation of new product architectural concepts for subsystem and system level designs.

Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 15+ years of product design experience in high‑end consumer or professional electronic products.
• Minimum 6+ years of leading mechanical engineering teams.
• Skilled with hiring and developing high performing teams.
• Proven record of launching high volume electronic product concepts through production.
• Experience with high volume manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Extensive experience collaborating with, and managing, overseas development and manufacturing partners.
• Knowledge working with PDM/PLM systems.
• Experience with change management systems and processes.
• Strong DFM/DFA skills, with emphasis on part/assembly tolerance management, to ensure robust designs for high volume manufacturing.
• Knowledgeable in design of plastic injection molded parts, electro‑mechanical integration, adhesive bonded joints, metal stamped parts, die‑cast parts, and machined parts.
• Proven ability to balance conflicting design constraints through analysis, testing, and creativity.
• Ability to collaborate with peers in a candid cross‑functional team culture.
• Proven success in a fast‑paced, high technology environment with tight deadlines.
• Experience designing, fabricating, debugging and testing high fidelity proof‑of‑concept prototypes.
• Experience performing detailed mechanical analysis including kinematics, FEA, tolerance analysis, testing and more.
• Proficient in 3D CAD modeling (CREO preferred), including surface modeling & master modeling.

Benefits that Benefit You

• Competitive salary and 401k with employer match.
• Discretionary paid time off.
• Paid parental leave for all.
• Fitness programs.
• Emotional & mental wellness support.
• Snacks in our offices.

Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all duties, responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The job description may change or be supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

We are an equal opportunity employer that promotes justice, advances equity, values diversity and fosters inclusion. We’re committed to hiring the best talent—regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances—and empowering all of our employees so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need that requires assistance or accommodation during the application or recruiting process, please email [e-mail]. Please note that this email address is for accommodation purposes only. Axon will not respond to inquiries for other purposes.