About the Role

This is a high-ownership role at a defense tech startup developing a chip-based LiDAR seeker for counter-UAS interceptors. As Lead Hardware Engineer, you will own the full hardware architecture of the seeker system from the ground up, bridging photonics simulations and electrical designs into a ruggedized, flight-ready product. The role sits at the center of the engineering organization and directly shapes the company's core product.

What You'll Do

Define the full hardware architecture for the LiDAR seeker, covering mechanical packaging, lens mounting, PCB placement, and seeker diameter.
Translate photonics team simulations into a buildable, ruggedized physical system ready for high-G flight environments.
Deliver an initial physical prototype or CAD model within the first 60 to 90 days to demonstrate form factor and system capabilities to customers.
Own the certification and qualification process required to mount the seeker on partner missile platforms, including compliance documentation.
Serve as the integration layer between photonics and electrical teams, packaging optical and power architectures into a unified system.
Hire and lead a small team of hardware engineers, setting the technical bar for prototyping and hands-on development work.

What We're Looking For

8 or more years of experience in hardware engineering for defense or electro-optical systems.
Prior hands-on design or integration of a seeker or payload on a missile program, at a prime defense contractor or national lab.
Strong background in optomechanical design, including lens mounting, seeker packaging, and PCB placement within constrained form factors.
Experience navigating missile qualification certifications and ruggedization requirements for high-G environments.
Familiarity with environmental testing standards such as MIL-STD-810, including shock, vibration, and thermal analysis.
Experience leading or growing a small hardware engineering team.
Degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, optical engineering, or physics.
Proficiency in CAD tools such as SolidWorks; experience with LiDAR, imaging, or electro-optical systems is a strong plus.
U.S. Person status required (ITAR); must be able 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, 5 days per week in Hawthorne, California, United States.