Chief Program Officer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

About Knightscope

Knightscope is a security technology company building the nation's first Autonomous Security Force. The Company combines autonomous machines, advanced software, and human expertise to help protect people, property, and critical infrastructure. Knightscope's long-term mission is to make the United States of America the safest country in the world.

Knightscope is seeking a highly driven, hands-on, and technically proficient Chief Program Engineer to lead the Emergency Communication Device (ECD) product line - the Blue Light Tower, Blue Light Emergency Phone, Call Box, and Retrofit Kit. You will serve as the product, program, engineering, and technical focal point for all ECD products in production and in the field, while leading new product development for the next generation Retrofit Kit. This key role will oversee the integration of mechanical, electrical, telecommunications, power, solar, and embedded systems, working cross-functionally with design, engineering, cybersecurity, manufacturing, marketing, sales, service, and executive leadership. Given the importance of the program, you will report directly to the CEO.

Location: Sunnyvale, CA (Knightscope Headquarters) - on-site

You must possess strong leadership capabilities, a roll-up-your-sleeves mentality, and technical depth across complex systems - including new product development processes, re-balancing of targets, gates, and milestones. This is a rare opportunity to begin to overhaul the nation's public safety and security infrastructure with a mission-driven team in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Serve as the single point of accountability for all technical aspects of the ECD product line: Blue Light Tower, Blue Light Emergency Phone, Call Box, and Retrofit Kit.
• Lead new product development for the next generation Retrofit Kit - from concept through validation, regulatory approvals, and production ramp - including integration with the Knightscope Signals platform.
• Lead cross-disciplinary engineering efforts to deliver program milestones.
• Own product quality, reliability, and field performance across deployed units nationwide - including installation standards, troubleshooting, root cause analysis, and permanent corrective action.
• Manage program schedules, build complexity, technical risks, design reviews, BOM cost targets, and technical program documentation.
• Work closely with supply chain and manufacturing teams to ensure cost, quality, reliability, cybersecurity, and scalability targets are met.
• Serve as the technical resource for marketing, sales, and service - site requirements, specification reviews, proposal support, and technical escalations.
• Interface with executive leadership for program status updates, major decision reviews, growth plans, and risk mitigation.
• Maintain a hands-on approach to problem-solving, from root cause analysis to complex system integration troubleshooting.
• Drive continuous innovation to improve ECD product capabilities, manufacturability, installations, and field performance.
• Mentor and develop junior engineering talent as the program and company scale.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in engineering required; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience leading product development or engineering programs across emergency communications, life-safety systems, telecommunications, IoT platforms, smart city infrastructure, or large-scale electromechanical systems.
• Deep understanding of system architecture for outdoor-rated, field-deployed devices - enclosures, power (AC, solar, PoE), cellular and VoIP communications, remote management, and cybersecurity.
• Hands-on experience building and validating integrated hardware platforms from prototype through production.
• Familiarity with relevant codes and standards (UL, FCC, ADA, NFPA, and campus life-safety requirements) is a strong plus.
• Exceptional organizational and leadership skills, with proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams in a startup environment.
• Strong problem-solving abilities, analytical thinking, and decision-making under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, start-up-like environment with minimal supervision.
• US citizenship is required for this position.

COMPENSATION

• Base salary range: $150,000 - $180,000, depending on experience and qualifications
• Stock option grant
• Performance bonus
• Health, dental, vision insurance
• Paid time off, holidays, and more

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.