Head of Hardware Engineering — Equity & Production-Scale Hardware

roadrunner-studios; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Job summary

Roadrunner Venture Studios in San Francisco seeks a Head of Hardware Engineering to lead a portfolio company building rainfall enhancement tech. You will own architecture across mechanical, thermal, combustion, and controls, and drive prototypes to production.

This hands-on role partners with science, field teams, and external manufacturers, guides supplier relationships, and manages a small hardware team. Expect significant equity and startup pace with travel and long weeks.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical/aerospace engineering or related field.
• Experience leading hardware from concept through prototype builds to production planning.
• High proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks/NX) and PLM systems.

Responsibilities

• Own the hardware system architecture across mechanical, thermal, combustion, structural, fluid, and controls.
• Lead hardware development from early design through prototypes to field-ready production.
• Design for manufacturing and work with external partners to scale to production.
• Manage budgets, schedules, and supplier relationships; drive verification and qualification plans.

Skills

System Architecture

Hardware Development

Combustion Systems

Thermal Management

Leadership & Mentoring

Education

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Tools

SolidWorks

NX

PLM systems

Job description

Roadrunner Venture Studios in San Francisco seeks a Head of Hardware Engineering to lead a portfolio company building rainfall enhancement tech. You will own architecture across mechanical, thermal, combustion, and controls, and drive prototypes to production.

This hands-on role partners with science, field teams, and external manufacturers, guides supplier relationships, and manages a small hardware team. Expect significant equity and startup pace with travel and long weeks.