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Director Hardware Engineering Jobs in California

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Director, Hardware Engineering

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$277.60 - $416.40/hr

About the Role We are looking for a Director of Hardware Engineering to lead and grow our Hardware organization. This role will report directly to the CTO. In this role, you will set the technical ...

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Director Hardware Engineering information

What does a director of hardware engineering do?

A Director of Hardware Engineering leads and oversees teams responsible for designing, developing, and testing hardware components and systems. This role involves setting technical direction, managing budgets and resources, and ensuring that projects meet performance, quality, and timeline goals. Directors also collaborate with other departments such as software engineering, product management, and manufacturing to deliver integrated solutions. Additionally, they play a key role in strategic planning and mentoring engineering talent within the organization.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director of hardware engineering, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director of Hardware Engineering, you need deep expertise in hardware design, project management, and a relevant engineering degree, often backed by extensive industry experience. Familiarity with CAD tools, hardware simulation software, and certifications in project management (such as PMP) are typically important. Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication are essential soft skills for guiding teams and aligning engineering efforts with business goals. These skills ensure the successful delivery of innovative hardware solutions, team productivity, and alignment with organizational objectives.

How does a director of hardware engineering typically collaborate with cross-functional teams during a product development cycle?

A Director of Hardware Engineering plays a pivotal role in coordinating with cross-functional teams such as software engineering, product management, manufacturing, and quality assurance throughout the product development lifecycle. They facilitate regular meetings to align on project goals, address technical challenges, and ensure that hardware designs integrate seamlessly with other system components. Additionally, they often mediate between technical staff and executive leadership to balance innovation, cost, and timelines, while promoting effective communication and problem-solving across departments.
What are the most commonly searched types of Hardware Engineering jobs in California? The most popular types of Hardware Engineering jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Director Hardware Engineering jobs in California? For Director Hardware Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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Infographic showing various Director Hardware Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Director, Hardware Engineering

Relativity Space

Long Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Relativity Space rating

9.7

Company rating: 9.7 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

About the Team: 

The Avionics team is responsible for the full lifecycle of Terran R's nervous system, designing, building, testing, installing, and operating the hardware that connects and controls every major electrical system on the vehicle and ground. The team leverages close partnership between avionics design, manufacturing, and test to enable rapid iteration and feedback loops. Engineers are deeply embedded into other functions within Relativity, working closely with propulsion, GNC, fluids, and stage engineering teams to ensure seamless integration and operation. Now is a unique time to join: you'll get to help shape Terran R's fundamental avionics architecture and be given a high degree of ownership on components that will fly.

About the Role:

As the Director of Avionics Hardware Development, you will lead the ground-up development of cutting edge electronics and mechanical hardware for Relativity's newest launch vehicle, Terran R. You will lead a team of engineers and managers pushing the limits of new technologies supporting of a highly reliable system that must survive the harsh environments of spaceflight.

You will lead the teams designing and developing the full set of avionics hardware including:

  • Electronics Hardware: PCBA design including power electronics, digital electronics, mixed signal electronics, and RF design
  • Mechanical Hardware: enclosures, trays, isolators, brackets, and thermal management systems
  • Integration: harnessing, vehicle-level packaging, system bring-up

You will lead a team of engineers and engineering managers across multiple disciplines to advance avionics hardware through the full product lifecycle including requirements and system architecture definition, detailed design, development testing, introduction into manufacturing, and integrated test & operations. You will work closely with partner teams across the engineering, manufacturing, test, and operations organizations to develop a cohesive avionics system supporting all flight systems. To be successful in the role you must be comfortable working as a technical leader driving a fast-paced development program where your strategy and decision making are key to our program success. As a leader of leaders, you will also be expected to develop the skills of leaders under you.

About You:

  • Bachelors degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering, or a related field
  • 10+ years of experience developing electrical and mechanical hardware for mission-critical applications in harsh environments such as aviation, space, or robotics
  • 7+ years of experience leading engineering teams
  • Experience leading and developing engineering leaders
  • Familiarity with driving hardware development through the full product lifecycle including design, manufacturing, test, and operations

Nice to haves but not required:  

  • Experience with electrical CAD tools such as Altium and mechanical CAD tools such as NX
  • Experience with embedded software development
  • Experience with environmental test equipment such as thermal chambers, shaker tables, and TVAC chambers
  • Experience with design and test for EMC and radiation effects
  • Familiarity with electrical, mechanical, and thermal analysis techniques and tools

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