Head of Hardware

Picogrid, Inc.; El Segundo (CA); On-site; USD 220,000 - 270,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Significant stock options

401(k) with employer matching

Full health coverage

Relocation assistance

Unlimited PTO

Paid parental leave

Lunch provided in-office

Job summary

Picogrid, Inc. is seeking a Head of Hardware to define and scale our hardware engineering function. In this hands-on leadership role, you will guide the development of innovative physical products, ensuring a product-focused approach and delivering exceptional user experiences. Successful candidates will have over 5 years of progressive experience in hardware development, ideally in a startup environment.

The role includes leading the hardware lifecycle, architecting electrical and mechanical systems, and establishing best practices for the engineering department.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in hardware product development.
• Expert proficiency in generalist hardware skills.
• Leadership and communication skills to articulate technical strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead hardware development lifecycle from concept to mass production.
• Architect all technical aspects of electrical and mechanical design.
• Define design tools and methodologies for embedded design.

Skills

PCB design

Power electronics

Mixed-signal circuit design

Firmware integration

Mechanical engineering

Industrial design

Manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Altium

Onshape

Arena PLM

Job description

Picogrid is a leading venture-backed defense technology company founded to bridge the decades-long gap between modern technology and the critical demands of national security. Today, we're building the essential infrastructure to unify sensors, autonomy, and operators with our technology deployed in active operations around the world. Our mission is to deliver an operational advantage to secure the United States and its allies.

About the Role

As the Head of Hardware at Picogrid, you will be the foundational technical leader responsible for defining, building, and scaling our entire hardware engineering function. You will lead the "cradle to grave" development of Picogrid’s physical products, with a hard focus on generalist hardware engineering, end-to-end design ownership across all disciplines, industrial design, and delivering best-in-class consumer product experiences. This is a highly demanding, hands‑on role for a true generalist and leader ready to stand up a world‑class department from the ground up. Work with a team of hardworking, ambitious, world‑leading talent to build the future of unmanned system behavior orchestration.

Responsibilities

Lead the comprehensive hardware development lifecycle from initial concept and architecture through mass production.

Architect and execute all technical aspects of electrical and embedded systems, including circuit design, PCB design and layout, component selection, and system integration.

Architect and execute all technical aspects of mechanical and industrial design, including CAD, FEA, structural analysis, thermal analysis, DFMA, and GD&T.

Participate in defining engineering process standards, part numbering and revision systems, vendor relationships, R&D of supply chain, and design philosophy.

Define and implement the necessary design tools and methodologies for embedded design, ensuring a modern and efficient generalist hardware skillset across the team.

Act as the primary interface between Engineering, and Manufacturing, ensuring a product‑minded approach that balances technical requirements with user experience and aesthetic quality.

Set the technical bar and drive a culture of being fast, flexible, and prolific, rapidly iterating on prototypes and moving from concept to high‑volume production at record speed.

Embody and teach how to use intuition, judgement, and domain knowledge to speed up technical decisions and the design process.

You will be the founding member of the Hardware Engineering Department, tasked with hiring, mentoring, and leading a high‑performing team of hardware engineers.

Successfully stand up a fully operational Hardware Engineering Department, deliver the next generation of our consumer‑focused physical products, and establish the technical infrastructure for long‑term product success.

Required Qualifications

5+ years of progressive experience in hardware product development, with significant experience in a hands‑on technical lead or director‑level role.

Preferred past founding or early stage fast‑growth startup experience.

Ability to work with ambiguity in the managed chaos of a rapidly growing startup.

Expert‑level proficiency in the full generalist hardware skillset, encompassing PCB design, power electronics, mixed‑signal circuit design, firmware integration, CAD, mechanical/thermal engineering, industrial design, and manufacturing.

Proven experience in taking at least two distinct products through the entire development lifecycle, from initial concept to high‑volume manufacturing.

Deep knowledge of DFMA (Design for Manufacturability and Assembly) and supply chain management for consumer electronics.

Demonstrated expertise with Altium and Onshape software suites. Familiarity with Arena PLM.

Exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with a clear ability to articulate technical strategy to executive leadership.

Core values or relentless execution, boundless ambition, continued learning, and kindness. Low ego and open‑mindedness.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience as a former founder or founding engineer at a successful, fast‑moving hardware startup, demonstrating the capacity for standing up a department or discipline from zero.

Strong portfolio of successful products with a hard focus on industrial design and consumer product experience.

Experience managing or leading product development efforts that are highly iterative, complex, and require an open‑minded and flexible approach to problem‑solving.

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field. (Degree not required).

A track record of being prolific and delivering rapid, high‑quality results in a resource‑constrained and fast‑paced environment.

Base salary range: $220,000-$270,000 per year. Base salary is just one part of your total compensation package at Picogrid.

Significant stock options with a high potential upside as an early‑stage company.

401(k) with employer matching.

Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance).

Relocation assistance provided (if applicable).

Unlimited PTO (two‑week minimum) and 11 paid holidays per year.

Paid parental leave for both parents.

Lunch provided when working in‑office and a fully stocked kitchenette.

Export Control Requirements

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Picogrid is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.