Programming Director Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

Location: Scottsdale, Arizona, United States

Axon is committed to improving public safety by developing cutting‑edge, innovative technologies. Known for developing the original TASER energy weapon, the Axon engineering team is tasked with continual excellence to keep the organization at the forefront of the market. The Director of Mechanical Engineering at Axon has full responsibility over the development of next generation life‑saving technology from conceptualization through production. Their work is highly visible to even the most senior executives. Their detailed oversight of engineering design and deliverables is instrumental to the continued growth of the engineering organization. An ideal candidate is someone who is a passionate leader and effective cross‑functional collaborator with product managers, electrical engineers, industrial designers, and manufacturing partners. This role is vital to the success of the team and ensuring the safety of the general public for generations to come. The Director of Mechanical Engineering is a hands‑on individual who isn't hesitant to roll up their sleeves and dive into engineering design, and other engineering activities while also keeping a pulse on the strategic growth of the organization.

Work Location: This role is based out of our Scottsdale, AZ office and follows a hybrid schedule. We rely on in‑person collaboration and ask that team members work onsite Tuesdays through Fridays, with the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays, unless there is an approved workplace accommodation. We believe that connection fuels innovation, and our in‑office culture is designed to foster meaningful teamwork, mentorship, and shared success.

Location: Scottsdale, AZ Reports to: Vice President, Mechanical Engineering

• Lead and inspire a talented team of mechanical engineers to innovate, create, and achieve their full potential in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment.
• Review and guide the detailed design, development, and testing of cutting‑edge mechanical products, systems, and components.
• Enforce engineering rigor and due diligence throughout development lifecycle.
• Ensure projects are executed with precision and meet the highest quality standards.
• Shape and execute the mechanical engineering strategy that drives our company’s mission and vision.
• Forge connections with other departments, from marketing to manufacturing, to create a cohesive business strategy.
• Build and maintain relationships with external partners and vendors.
• Regularly communicate project progress, key milestones, and any challenges that arise to senior management.
• Utilize creative problem‑solving skills to lead ideation of new product architectural concepts for subsystem and system level designs.

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum 15+ years of product design experience in high‑end consumer or professional electronic products.
• Minimum 6+ years of leading mechanical engineering teams.
• Skilled with hiring and developing high‑performing teams.
• Proven record of launching high volume electronic product concepts through production.
• Experience with high volume manufacturing and assembly processes.
• Extensive experience collaborating with, and managing, overseas development and manufacturing partners.
• Knowledge working with PDM/PLM systems.
• Experience with change management systems and processes.
• Strong DFM/DFA skills, with emphasis on part/assembly tolerance management, to ensure robust designs for high volume manufacturing.
• Knowledgeable in design of plastic injection molded parts, electro‑mechanical integration, adhesive bonded joints, metal stamped parts, die‑cast parts, and machined parts.
• Proven ability to balance conflicting design constraints through analysis, testing, and creativity.
• Ability to collaborate with peers in a candid cross‑functional team culture.
• Proven success in a fast‑paced, high‑technology environment with tight deadlines.
• Experience designing, fabricating, debugging and testing high fidelity proof‑of‑concept prototypes.
• Experience performing detailed mechanical analysis including kinematics, FEA, tolerance analysis, testing and more.
• Proficient in 3D CAD modeling (CREO preferred), including surface modeling & master modeling.

• Competitive salary and 401k with employer match.
• Discretionary paid time off.
• Paid parental leave for all.
• Fitness Programs.
• Emotional & Mental Wellness support.
• And yes, we have snacks in our offices.

Benefits listed herein may vary depending on the nature of your employment and the location where you work.

Don’t meet every single requirement? That’s ok. At Axon, we aim far. We think big with a long‑term view because we want to reinvent the world to be a safer, better place. We are also committed to building diverse teams that reflect the communities we serve.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they check every box in the job description. If you’re excited about this role and our mission to protect life but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification listed here, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Some roles may also require legal eligibility to work in a firearms environment.

Axon’s mission is to Protect Life and is committed to the well‑being and safety of its employees as well as Axon’s impact on the environment. All Axon employees must be aware of and committed to the appropriate environmental, health, and safety regulations, policies, and procedures. Axon employees are empowered to report safety concerns as they arise and activities potentially impacting the environment.

We are an equal‑opportunity employer that promotes justice, advances equity, values diversity and fosters inclusion. We’re committed to hiring the best talent — regardless of race, creed, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations and ordinances — and empowering all of our employees so they can do their best work. If you have a disability or special need that requires assistance or accommodation during the application or the recruiting process, please email recruitingops@axon.com. Please note that this email address is for accommodation purposes only. Axon will not respond to inquiries for other purposes.