Director of Hardware Design

Distinctive Staffing Solutions; Minneapolis, Saint Paul (MN, MN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Distinctive Staffing Solutions seeks a Director of Hardware Design to lead the electrical hardware strategy for solar-powered outdoor devices and camera/imaging electronics, driving global deployments.

The role combines deep technical leadership with cross-functional collaboration across software, AI/computer vision, QA, product, and procurement to deliver reliable, manufacturable hardware and a roadmap for team growth.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 10–15+ years hands-on experience in electrical hardware design for solar power systems, camera/imaging electronics, rugged outdoor devices.
• Expertise in power electronics, battery management systems, and low-power design for solar applications.
• Experience with camera modules and imaging pipelines for computer vision applications.
• Strong proficiency in schematic capture and PCB design tools, particularly Altium.
• Experience with BOM management and collaboration with procurement and manufacturers.
• Ability to independently lead hardware projects and influence cross-functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills and experience with mechanical integration requirements.

Responsibilities

• Spearhead design and optimization of solar power systems for outdoor devices.
• Lead development of camera/imaging hardware for reliable performance in varying environments.
• Develop robust electrical systems for global deployment emphasizing temperature variance and reliability.
• Manage BOMs, cost optimization, and lifecycle management; coordinate with procurement and contract manufacturers.
• Partner with AI/ML and computer vision teams to meet image quality and power efficiency standards.

Skills

Leadership & collaboration

Cross-functional work

Communication skills

Strategic planning

Problem solving

Project management

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Altium

Job description

Join a dynamic and innovative team as the Director of Hardware Design, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of electrical hardware for global deployments. This senior-level position focuses on electrical engineering with a strong emphasis on solar power systems, camera and imaging electronics, and robust outdoor electrical systems. You will drive the entire hardware lifecycle, from strategy to execution, ensuring reliable and cost-effective solutions that empower advanced AI models in diverse environments.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with software, AI/computer vision, QA, product, and procurement teams to define hardware strategies and make critical decisions. Your responsibilities will include managing BOMs, vendor relationships, and delivering manufacturable hardware that meets the demands of global markets. This position combines deep technical expertise with strategic leadership, laying the groundwork for future hardware team expansion.

Key Responsibilities

• Electrical Hardware Design & Development: Spearhead the design and optimization of solar power systems for outdoor devices. Lead the development of camera and imaging hardware, ensuring optimal performance in varying environmental conditions. Develop robust electrical systems for global deployment, focusing on temperature variance, protection, and reliability.
• BOM, Procurement & Supply Chain Management: Manage BOMs, focusing on component selection, cost optimization, and lifecycle management. Work closely with procurement and operations to ensure efficient vendor and contract manufacturer relationships.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration & AI Enablement: Partner with AI/ML and computer vision engineers to ensure hardware meets image quality and power efficiency standards. Collaborate with software and QA teams for system integration and testing.
• Strategic & Roadmap Leadership: Define the hardware technology roadmap, focusing on electrical architecture and global deployment goals. Act as the primary expert in engineering discussions and lay the foundation for team growth.
• Quality, Reliability & Compliance: Ensure all hardware meets regulatory requirements and is designed for long-term reliability. Establish robust validation processes for global deployments.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field.
• 10–15+ years of hands‑on experience in electrical hardware design for solar power systems, camera/imaging electronics, and rugged outdoor devices.
• Expertise in power electronics, battery management systems, and low‑power design for solar applications.
• Proven experience with camera modules and imaging pipelines for computer vision applications.
• Strong proficiency in schematic capture and PCB design tools, particularly Altium.
• Experience with BOM management and collaboration with procurement and manufacturers.
• Ability to independently lead hardware projects and influence cross‑functional teams.
• Excellent communication skills and experience with mechanical integration requirements.

Preferred

• Experience designing hardware for worldwide deployment, including regulatory compliance.
• Direct experience with electrical hardware for computer vision or edge AI platforms.
• Background in smart cities, municipal infrastructure, or related fields.
• Experience with high‑volume outdoor electronic deployments.
• Patent contributions or experience in driving hardware‑related intellectual property.