Head of Engineering, Gradient Comfort

• The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in systems engineering and a proven track record of successfully managing engineering teams through product lifecycle (PLC) development process and sustaining engineering processes (e.g. cost down, field issue response and management)
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred
• 15+ years of experience in hardware engineering, with a focus on systems engineering
• Proven experience leading and managing engineering teams
• Strong background in thermal management, HVAC systems, or related fields
• Demonstrated success in building engineering teams deploying and maintaining hardware products
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills
• Strategic problem-solving and analytical abilities
• Experience with product lifecycle management and quality assurance processes
• Experience with high volume manufacturing and scaling of a product

Desirable

• The Head of Engineering (Hardware) will be a critical leader in driving Gradient's growth and success. This role will oversee and direct the Electrical, Mechanical, and Thermal Engineering teams, ensuring the delivery, support, and evolution of high-quality, reliable, and innovative heat pump systems
• This leader will collaborate closely with the SVP of Software and Firmware Engineering, as well as other cross-functional teams, to achieve the company's strategic objectives
• Develop and execute the strategic vision for the hardware engineering teams, aligning with the company's overall business objectives
• Implement industry-leading practices around Failure Analysis, continuous improvement/continuous design, and cross-functional collaboration
• Stay ahead of emerging technology trends and market needs to ensure Gradient remains innovative and competitive
• Provide strong leadership and mentorship to the Electrical, Mechanical, and Thermal Engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence
• Recruit, retain, and support diverse engineering talent, ensuring equitable opportunities for growth and development
• Establish clear performance metrics and ensure accountability that empower team members
• Apply deep systems engineering principles to ensure the seamless integration of electrical, mechanical, and thermal components into innovative heat pump solutions
• Oversee the design, development, and testing of complex heat pump systems
• Champion continuous improvement in product performance, reliability, and efficiency
• Partner with the SVP of Software and Firmware Engineering to ensure seamless integration of hardware and software systems
• Work closely with product management, sales, marketing, and manufacturing teams to align on priorities and execution strategies
• Work closely with the manufacturing team to ensure Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) best practices
• Manage the entire hardware product lifecycle, from concept to production and beyond
• Ensure product meets quality standards, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations
• Drive efficient product development and release processes, optimizing speed to market
• Develop and manage the hardware engineering budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources
• Optimize engineering processes and workflows to maximize productivity and minimize costs