Head of Flight Hardware Engineering

First Principle; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

First Principle is seeking a Head of Hardware Engineering to own the design, integration, and delivery of the vehicle's core hardware systems, including structures and fluid/pressurized systems, from concept through test and production.

This foundational leadership role reports to the executive team and will be responsible for building and scaling a substantial hardware department to enable rapid, flight-qualified development while maintaining safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Strong track record delivering flight-critical hardware or mission-critical hardware.
• Experience leading engineering teams with accountability for output and development.
• Ability to balance fast iteration with safety and flight readiness.

Responsibilities

• Own the technical architecture of the vehicle's primary hardware systems from concept through test and qualification.
• Build and scale a team of engineers, providing mentorship and risk discipline.
• Serve as senior technical authority for hardware trade studies, design reviews, and cross-system decisions.
• Champion manufacturability and producibility from early design stages for scale into serial production.

Skills

Mechanical design

Structural analysis

Fluid/pressurized systems

Leadership

Team building

Trade studies

Design reviews

Job description

First Principle is seeking a Head of Hardware Engineering to own the design, integration, and delivery of the vehicle's core hardware systems, including structures and fluid/pressurized systems, from concept through test and production.

This foundational leadership role reports to the executive team and will be responsible for building and scaling a substantial hardware department to enable rapid, flight-qualified development while maintaining safety and quality standards.