Hardware Leader

Transition Ventures; Sausalito (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Equity

Health coverage

HSA

Unlimited PTO

Job summary

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.

You will lead hardware development across airframe design, propulsion, payload, and thermal management, partnering with software, electrical, and operations teams to deliver integrated systems. This hands-on leadership role requires a driver who can architect scalable systems, recruit and grow a strong hardware

Qualifications

• Experience with hardware leadership and systems thinking.
• Ability to design and iterate mechanical systems from concept to production.
• Proven track record building and mentoring high‑performing hardware teams.

Responsibilities

• Drive hardware roadmap and architecture across airframe design, propulsion, payload, structural, thermal, and manufacturing.
• Design, prototype, and iterate hardware from CAD through fabrication and test.
• Recruit, mentor, and manage a hardware team with engineering processes and best practices.

Skills

Hands-On Leader

Systems Thinker

Fast-Moving Operator

Plays to Win

Kind

Tools

CAD

FEA/CFD analysis

GD&T

DFM/DFA

Job description

Location

Sausalito

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

On-site

Department

Engineering

Compensation

• $180K – $270K

Pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.

The total compensation package for this position may also include other elements dependent on the position offered. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment.

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.

Don't meet every single requirement? If you're excited about this role but your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification, we encourage you to apply — you may still be the right fit for our team.

Compensation Range: $180K - $270K