Role Overview for VP of Engineering (Hardware) – Seattle, WA
JRG Partners is exclusively partnering with a groundbreaking technology company based in the vibrant innovation hub of Seattle, WA. We are seeking an exceptional and visionary VP of Engineering (Hardware) to lead their core hardware development initiatives. This is a critical leadership role for an individual who thrives on building, scaling, and inspiring high-performing engineering teams, while driving the strategic direction and execution of complex, cutting-edge hardware products from concept through mass production.
Our client is at the forefront of their industry, developing revolutionary devices that integrate advanced sensing, processing, and connectivity to redefine user experiences across various sectors, including consumer electronics, IoT, and specialized industrial applications.
As the VP of Engineering (Hardware), you will be a pivotal member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the CTO. Your mandate will be to establish and champion the technical vision and roadmap for all hardware products, ensuring alignment with the company’s overarching business strategy and market demands. You will be responsible for architecting scalable and robust hardware platforms, fostering a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and rigorous quality.
This role demands a leader with a profound understanding of the entire hardware product lifecycle, from initial research and development, through design, prototyping, testing, supply chain management, and manufacturing. You will be instrumental in attracting, retaining, and developing top-tier engineering talent, building a world-class team capable of delivering on ambitious product goals in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
This opportunity is for a strategic thinker and a hands-on leader who can navigate complex technical challenges, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and drive results. If you are passionate about pushing the boundaries of hardware technology, building impactful products, and leading a diverse and talented team in one of the world’s most exciting tech cities, we encourage you to explore this unparalleled career opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Engineering (Hardware) – Seattle, WA
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Define and communicate the long-term hardware engineering strategy, roadmap, and architectural vision. Ensure hardware development aligns with overall company objectives, market opportunities, and technological trends.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, mentor, and lead a growing team of hardware engineers (electrical, mechanical, firmware, test, reliability). Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance engineering culture, promoting continuous learning and professional growth.
Hardware Product Development
Oversee the full hardware product lifecycle, from ideation and concept generation through design, prototyping, validation, and transfer to manufacturing. Drive excellence in areas such as PCB design, embedded systems, sensor integration, RF engineering, power management, mechanical design, thermal management, and DFM/DFA.
Technical Excellence & Innovation
Establish and enforce best practices for hardware design, development, testing, and documentation. Drive innovation and the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to enhance product capabilities and development efficiency.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with Product Management, Software Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, and Quality Assurance teams to ensure seamless product integration and successful market launch. Act as the primary technical liaison for hardware-related initiatives.
Vendor & Supply Chain Management
Manage relationships with key suppliers, manufacturers, and technology partners. Negotiate contracts, oversee component selection, and ensure robust supply chain strategies to meet production demands and quality standards.
Budget & Resource Management
Develop and manage the hardware engineering budget, allocating resources effectively to achieve strategic objectives. Optimize engineering processes and tools to maximize efficiency and productivity.
Risk Management & Quality Assurance
Identify and mitigate technical risks throughout the development cycle. Implement rigorous testing and validation protocols to ensure product reliability, safety, and compliance with industry standards and regulations.
Intellectual Property
Contribute to the company’s IP portfolio through patent generation and protection of core hardware technologies.
Requirements for the VP of Engineering (Hardware) – Seattle, WA
Education
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field. A Ph.D. or MBA is a plus.
Experience
Minimum of 15+ years of progressive experience in hardware engineering, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership or management role, overseeing significant hardware product development efforts.
Leadership Acumen
Proven track record of building, leading, and scaling high-performing hardware engineering teams (50+ engineers preferred). Exceptional ability to inspire, motivate, and develop talent.
Technical Expertise
Deep technical understanding and hands-on experience across multiple hardware domains, including but not limited to:
- Embedded systems design (microcontrollers, microprocessors, FPGAs)
- Analog and digital circuit design, PCB layout and fabrication
- Sensor technologies and signal processing
- RF design and wireless communication protocols (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, LoRa, UWB)
- Power electronics and battery management systems
- Mechanical design, industrial design integration, and enclosure development
- Thermal management and structural analysis
- Firmware development and hardware-software integration
- Design for Manufacturing (DFM), Design for Assembly (DFA), Design for Test (DFT)
- Experience with high-volume manufacturing processes and supply chain management.
Product Lifecycle Management
Extensive experience managing the full hardware product lifecycle from concept to end-of-life, including experience with new product introduction (NPI) and product sustaining.
Strategic Thinking
Ability to define and articulate a clear technical vision, translate business requirements into technical specifications, and make sound architectural decisions.
Communication Skills
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present complex technical information to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including executive leadership.
Problem-Solving
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a results-oriented mindset.
Location
Must be based in or willing to relocate to Seattle, WA. This is an on-site leadership role requiring regular presence in the office.
Industry Experience
Experience in consumer electronics, IoT, robotics, medical devices, or other complex hardware product industries is highly desirable. Familiarity with agile hardware development methodologies is a significant advantage.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client values their employees and offers a comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package designed to support your professional growth, health, and well-being. As a VP of Engineering (Hardware), you can expect:
Competitive Compensation
A highly attractive base salary commensurate with experience, combined with a significant annual performance bonus and substantial equity options in a rapidly growing company.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) plan with generous company matching contributions to help you build your financial future.
Work-Life Balance
Generous paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and flexible work arrangements when appropriate to support a healthy work-life integration.
Professional Development
Opportunities for continuous learning, professional growth, and career advancement through conferences, workshops, and internal training programs.
Cutting-Edge Environment
Work with state-of-the-art technologies and tools in a collaborative, innovative, and fast-paced environment.
Relocation Assistance
For exceptional candidates relocating to Seattle, comprehensive relocation support will be provided.
Additional Perks
On-site amenities, team-building events, employee discounts, and a vibrant company culture that celebrates success and fosters creativity.
How to Apply
If you are a visionary hardware engineering leader with a passion for innovation and a desire to make a significant impact, we invite you to apply for this exceptional opportunity. JRG Partners is managing the executive search for this critical role, ensuring a confidential and streamlined process.
To express your interest and learn more about this VP of Engineering (Hardware) position in Seattle, WA, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership philosophy.
You can confidentially submit your application or learn more about our executive search process for technology leaders by visiting our Technology Executive Search practice area page.
Our team will review your qualifications and reach out to suitable candidates for an initial discussion. We look forward to connecting with you and exploring how your expertise can contribute to our client’s groundbreaking mission.
