Principal Hardware Engineer

San Franciscofull time

Remote

senior

$225k–$305k

H1B: no

Aurelius Systems The Principal Hardware Engineer owns hardware architecture and subsystem development from prototype to field deployment for laser-based counter-UAS systems. This senior IC role involves hands-on design, debugging, and collaboration with cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

Set system-level hardware architecture and integration plan
Close hardest design trades with documented decisions on cost, mass, reliability, and field performance
Establish hardware release and production process with manufacturing hub
Define design review and documentation standards
Perform hands-on debug and characterization to fix root causes of field failures

Qualification

It would help ifDirected energyYou've stood up a production lineYour experience is simulation onlyYou need remote or hybrid work

Required

Track record taking complex hardware full cycle from prototype through manufacturing and field deployment, more than once
Deep mechanical expertise plus real judgment in at least one of electrical, power electronics, or embedded
Comfort being technical anchor on a small team, hands-on individual contributor
Experience with systems surviving real-world shock, vibration, and environmental conditions
U.S. citizenship (required for export control)

Preferred

It would help if...
Directed energy, laser, or high-power systems experience
Defense or aerospace program experience with MIL-STD or equivalent environmental qualification
You've stood up a production line, or worked tightly with the manufacturers who did
Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.
You're a people manager without recent hands-on hardware work
Your experience is simulation only, limited to one narrow subcomponent, or purely consumer products
You need remote or hybrid work