Lead Hardware Engineer

Waltham · Boulder, CO (CO-01) · USD 191,000-253,000 · 8+ years experience · Full-time · Posted Sep 25, 2026

At a glance

As the Lead Hardware Engineer for our ladar product line, you will be responsible for the domain-specific detailed technical execution, hardware architecture, and engineering execution across all hardware disciplines.
You will transition our high-precision active electro-optical systems from early-stage prototypes and Engineering Development Units through Engineering and Manufacturing Development, and ultimately into scaled, high-rate production.

Own domain-specific hardware architecture, component selection, physical design, and detailed mechanical, electrical, optical, and test engineering.
Lead the critical transition of our hardware from low-volume, hard-to-build prototype units to a high-rate EMD production environment.
Lead hardware preparation, technical artifacts, and clear-to-build criteria for upcoming program milestones, including Hardware SRR, PDR, CDR, and Manufacturing Readiness Reviews.
Own the hardware side of New Product Introduction, coordinating, inventorying, and leading the assembly of final EDU and EMD-1 builds for field testing and environmental Design Verification Testing.
Architect, build, and ruggedize manufacturing and optical test equipment to ensure highly efficient, repeatable, and automated testing on the production floor.
Define, implement, and track hardware Verification and Validation metrics to ensure absolute system reliability in extreme physical environments.
Partner closely with the Chief Engineer and work directly with functional engineering leads to ensure sufficient, high-performing hardware engineering staffing.
Own the detailed hardware Continuous Improvement roadmap, oversee the hardware Configuration Control/Change Review Board, and drive rapid resolution of hardware field issues.

Degree in a technical field such as mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, optical engineering, systems engineering, physics, or a hard science.
8+ years of experience developing and deploying complex electromechanical, electro-optical, or active sensing systems.
Deep engineering skillset spanning mechanical, electrical, optical, and test disciplines, with proven experience performing system design, architecture definition, and performance modeling.
Proven experience managing New Product Introduction, leading initial system builds, and managing hardware scaling or sustainment at scale.
Strong track record of leading high-performance, cross-functional engineering teams in a fast-paced environment.
Willingness to travel to test sites and manufacturing facilities as needed.
Must be able to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance.

Direct experience defining, designing, and testing active optical/imaging systems, Ladar/Lidar, or high-precision pointing architectures.
Proven success transitioning hardware from low Technology Readiness Levels / rapid prototyping environments to high-reliability, qualified EMD and production programs.
Strong hands-on experience with environmental testing standards and using advanced design, simulation, and optical test equipment.
Familiarity with supply chain coordination, inventory management, and defining clear to build metrics for complex assemblies.

Highly competitive equity grants
Comprehensive, competitive benefits package supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next