Lead Hardware Engineer

About the Role

This is a high-ownership hardware leadership role at a defense tech company developing a chip-based LiDAR seeker system for counter-UAS interceptors. You will be the first architect of a physical seeker product, translating photonics simulations into a ruggedized, flight-qualified system from scratch. The work is foundational: no CAD exists yet, and you will define the entire hardware stack.

What You'll Do

• Define the full hardware architecture for the LiDAR seeker system, including mechanical packaging, lens mounting, PCB placement, and seeker diameter.
• Deliver a physical prototype and CAD model within the first 60 to 90 days to demonstrate form factor and system capabilities to partners.
• Own the certification and qualification process for mounting the seeker on partner missile platforms, including all associated compliance documentation.
• Serve as the integration layer between photonics and electrical teams, packaging optical and power architectures into a high-G ruggedized system ready for flight.
• Hire and lead a small hardware team, including a hands-on mechanical engineer, and set the technical bar for the growing group.

What We're Looking For

• 8 or more years of experience in hardware engineering, with a focus on electro-optical or active sensing systems.
• Demonstrated experience designing or integrating a seeker or payload on a missile program at a prime defense contractor or national laboratory.
• Strong background in optomechanical design: lens mounting, seeker packaging, and PCB placement within constrained form factors.
• Hands-on experience with missile qualification certifications and ruggedization for high-G environments.
• Proficiency with CAD tools such as SolidWorks and experience in systems engineering for EO or LiDAR platforms.
• Familiarity with environmental testing standards including MIL-STD-810 (shock, vibration, thermal).
• Experience leading or hiring a small hardware engineering team.
• Degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, optical engineering, or physics.
• U.S. Person status required (ITAR); ability to obtain a security clearance.

Compensation & Benefits

Base salary: $180,000 to $240,000 USD annually. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.

Location

On-site, five days per week in Hawthorne, California.