Hardware Leader

Doist; Sausalito (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Equity Compensation

Comprehensive Health Coverage

HSA

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

Seneca is spearheading the development of high-assurance drone and sensor hardware for wildfire suppression. The role leads architecture across airframe, propulsion, and thermal systems, while building a strong engineering team and collaborating with software, electrical, and operations to deliver integrated, field-ready solutions.

You will drive design-for-manufacturing and reliability, scale production, and work with field partners to ensure performance in extreme conditions.

Qualifications

• ~10+ years of hardware/mechanical engineering experience in drones/aerospace/robotics or similar electromechanical systems.
• Experience leading engineers or technical teams in early-stage startups.
• Strong CAD, FEA/CFD analysis, GD&T, DFM/ DFA with fast prototyping to production.

Responsibilities

• Define hardware architecture and roadmaps across airframe, propulsion, payload, and structures.
• Lead hands-on development from CAD to fabrication and testing.
• Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-caliber hardware team.
• Collaborate with software, electrical, product, and operations to deliver integrated systems.
• Ensure field-ready hardware for harsh environments and deploy readiness.

Skills

Hardware architecture

Team leadership

Aero structures

Propulsion systems

Thermal management

CAD

FPGA/embedded interactions

DFM/DFI

FMEA/DFMEA

Systems thinking

Tools

CAD software

FEA/CFD tools

GD&T

Job description

The Opportunity

You will drive the development and execution of Seneca's hardware systems across airframe design, propulsion, payload delivery, mechanical structures, and thermal and environmental protection. Reporting to executive leadership, you will partner closely with the leaders of Software, Electrical, Test, and other functions to deliver fully integrated systems that are deployable, resilient, and mission-critical. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone excited to architect core systems, build and lead a strong engineering team, and play a foundational role in a high-impact, early-stage startup with customers waiting to take delivery of this life-saving system.

What You’ll Do

Hardware Architecture & Execution

Drive the hardware roadmap and technical execution across airframe design, propulsion systems, payload mechanisms, structural design, thermal management, and manufacturing, in partnership with company leadership. You will pick the lanes where you are most expert to lead, and will support the team in others.

Hands-On Development

Design, prototype, and iterate on hardware directly - from CAD through fabrication, assembly, and test - while building scalable design and manufacturing processes.

Team Leadership

Recruit, mentor, and manage a high-caliber hardware team with expertise in mechanical design, aerostructures, propulsion, thermal systems, and manufacturing; establish engineering processes and best practices as the team scales.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with software, electrical, product, and operations teams to design integrated systems that meet real-world performance requirements.

Deployment & Field Readiness

Ensure hardware systems are robust in extreme field conditions - heat, smoke, ash, and rough handling - by supporting testing, iteration, and deployment with fire departments and emergency response partners.

Design for Scale

Establish design-for-manufacturing and design-for-reliability practices, manage supplier and vendor relationships, and build the path from prototype to low-rate and volume production.

Background and Experience

• ~10 years (proxy, not a requirement) of hardware/mechanical engineering experience, ideally in drones, aerospace, robotics, or other complex electromechanical systems, including experience managing engineers or leading technical teams.
• Deep experience with mechanical design, aerostructures, propulsion systems, thermal management, and rapid prototyping through to production.
• Proven ability to lead high-performing teams in early-stage, fast-paced environments.
• Strong command of modern hardware development tools and processes (e.g., CAD, FEA/CFD analysis, GD&T, DFM/DFA, structural and environmental testing).
• Experience fielding hardware in harsh, real-world operating conditions; familiarity with FAA certification, airworthiness, safety, or defense requirements is a plus.
• Work in aviation is desirable but not required.

What You Bring

• Mission-Driven: Passionate about Seneca's mission of wildfire prevention.
• Hands-On Leader + Builder: Excited to roll up your sleeves and prototype alongside the team.
• Systems Thinker: Able to architect scalable systems across ground and airborne environments.
• Fast-Moving Operator: Thrives in ambiguity and takes initiative to solve complex challenges.
• Plays to Win: Enjoys the hard but worthwhile experience of grinding with a team to achieve something worthwhile.
• Kind: At home in a culture where excellence and kindness coexist.

What We Offer

• Competitive Salary - Reflective of your skills and experience
• Equity Compensation - Be a part-owner in the company's future
• Comprehensive Health Coverage - Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) - Optional pre-tax savings for medical expenses
• Unlimited PTO - Flexible time off to recharge, plus paid company holidays

About Us

Seneca is building cutting-edge drone and sensor technology for wildfire suppression, aiming to eliminate wildfire risk across 500 million acres of high-risk U.S. + allied territory. Backed by top-tier investors, including Convective Capital, Caffeinated Capital, First Round Capital, Slow Ventures, Nextview Ventures, Transition Capital, Bullpen Capital, Stepstone Group, Roar Capital, Offline Ventures, and leaders from Palantir, Google, Meta, and many others, the company has raised $110M in Series A funding and is valued over $500 million. Founded by Stu Landesberg (former Founder & CEO of Grove Collaborative – IPO in 2022 at $1.7B) and fire industry experts, Seneca is a mission-driven company dedicated to climate resilience and fire prevention.