Director of Hardware Engineering, Yoto
£90-110k
Plus share option programme
Interactive audio platform for kids
Open for applications
Interactive audio platform for kids
101-200 employees
Open for applications
£90-110k
Plus share option programme
101-200 employees
Company mission
To help parents inspire the next generation of independent, creative minds.
Role
Who you are
- We’re looking for an experienced and highly technical leader to scale our Hardware engineering team
- This role requires a combination of strategic leadership, technical expertise, and project management skills to ensure the successful delivery and field operation of high-quality hardware products that align with Yoto's product vision
- Proven experience delivering complex hardware products to market, from concept through to mass production
- Experience scaling and leading an engineering team
- Strong understanding of mechanical, electrical, and RF engineering principles
- Deep understanding of technologies relevant to Yoto products (audio and acoustic design, NFC, BT, WiFi, batteries and power management, microprocessors, memory, display technologies etc)
- Experience in managing relationships with large-scale manufacturing and supply chain partners
- Exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with the ability to inspire and guide teams to success
- Knowledge of quality management principles and practices, including design verification, validation, and testing, to ensure product quality and reliability
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in hardware development projects
- Strong attention to detail, organisational skills, and proactiveness
What the job involves
- The Director of Hardware Engineering reports directly to the Co-Founder/CTO and is responsible for leading the hardware engineering team to design, develop, and implement innovative hardware products
- Develop and communicate the HW engineering vision and strategy
- Scale, structure, lead and mentor a team of HW engineers
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the hardware team
- Implement and refine engineering processes and best practices to optimise efficiency and productivity
- Provide technical guidance and support to the hardware team
- Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in hardware technology and integrate relevant innovations into product development
- Troubleshoot and resolve complex hardware design and production issues
- Oversee all hardware products development projects from design to end of life
- Lead the design and development of cutting-edge technology applicable for Yoto products
- Oversee the creation of detailed hardware specifications, prototypes, and testing plans
- Ensure that all hardware products meet industry standards and regulatory requirements
- Identify potential risks and challenges in hardware development projects and develop mitigation strategies to address technical, schedule, and budget risks
- Develop and implement rigorous quality assurance processes for hardware design, testing, and validation to ensure that all Yoto hardware products meet the highest standards of durability, performance, and safety
- Collaborate with Customer Happiness, Quality, SW Engineering and Data teams and manufacturing and oversee the continuous improvement of products already in the market, identifying areas for enhancement to extend product lifespan and ensure long-term customer satisfaction
- Ensure robust product lifecycle management practices to maintain the relevance and functionality of existing products through SW optimization, HW revisions and repair programs
- Establish safety protocols and compliance with global safety standards, ensuring that all hardware products are thoroughly tested and certified
- Develop and manage the hardware department budget
- Optimise resource allocation to maximise efficiency and output
- Identify and procure necessary tools, equipment, and technologies
- Act as the primary point of contact for all hardware-related inquiries and issues
- Provide key inputs for the product roadmap and align with the New Product Development and Procurement Directors
- Prepare and present reports on hardware development progress and performance to senior management
- Collaborate with external partners to ensure successful product delivery
- Identify and protect innovative hardware solutions through the development of intellectual property (IP) strategies, including the filing of patents to safeguard Yoto’s technological advancements
- Work with cross-functional teams to embed IP considerations early in the product development cycle, ensuring that all new designs, features, and technologies are thoroughly reviewed for patentability
- Maintain an up-to-date understanding of relevant industry patents and trends to guide strategic decision-making
Salary benchmarks
Our take
A key development in the last 5 years has been a move towards screen-based kids entertainment like apps and streaming services. However, more recently there have been concerns that excessive screen time for children can be damaging to health and development. So, many consumers are looking for alternative products which will expose children to modernity without the drawbacks of many modern devices. This is the demand which Yoto is setting out to capitalise on.
Yoto's product - a screen-free audio platform - enables children to access features such as audiobooks, podcasts, and soundscapes via physical cards inserted into the device. The Yoto Player has received considerable early praise from consumers and from investors also, who granted Yoto considerable funding.
Perhaps the most difficult challenge for a business operating in the highly competitive children's toys market is keeping its product current. However, Yoto's software is fully customisable, meaning that alongside its library of content, parents can add their own audio files to the device to suit the interests of their children. This imbibes Yoto with a customisability that gives it an edge, especially as children's tastes change with age.
Steph
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
Few candidates hear
back within 2 weeks
52% female employees
42% employee growth in 12 months
Company
Employee endorsements
Flexible working
"At Yoto I'm treated as an adult, and given the autonomy to get on with what I need to get done at work while also getting done what I need to in my..."
Funding (last 2 of 3 rounds)
Jun 2024
$23m
ANGEL
May 2021
$17m
SERIES A
Total funding: $43.2m
Company benefits
- Your birthday off
- Choice-based approach to where you work - we encourage everyone to come in to the office minimum once a month
- A Work from Anywhere policy giving you the opportunity to work from a different location for a temporary period
- Yoto player and starter pack of cards
- Company socials and celebrations, including our annual Yoto Fest
- 2x volunteer days a year
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Family-friendly leave
- 25 days holidays plus bank holidays
- Workplace pension
- Private Medical Insurance or Wellbeing Allowance
- Dental advice and guidance
- Income Protection
- Life Assurance
Company HQ
Somers Town, London, UK
Articles
Leadership
Ben Drury
(CEO)They have extensive experience as a Non Executive Director for the likes of Marmalade and Intercede. Since 2016, they have also been a board member and investor for Pimoroni.
Filip Denker
(Co-Founder)They co-founded Yoto alongside Ben in 2017.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Yoto
- At Yoto, we love creating a world where childhood is rich with discovery and joy. We’re also passionate about building a workplace where everyone can thrive - both professionally and personally. We value flexibility and give our team the freedom to balance life and work in ways that suit them. We're committed to fostering a safe, diverse, and inclusive environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, feel valued and supported. Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion group holds bi-monthly forums to elevate diverse voices and perspectives, ensuring everyone at Yoto feels heard, respected, and appreciated. We don’t just embrace differences - we celebrate them. We share audio content from a vibrant and diverse community of creators (check out our DEI selection), and we are building a team that reflects that same diversity. We invite candidates from all walks of life to explore opportunities with us and join a company that champions flexibility, equity, and inclusion. Take a look at our website for more information on our approach to People and Planet.
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