Hardware Leader

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• ~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.

Benefits

• 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