About the Role
The Senior Director, Hardware/Architecture role requires a dynamic R&D professional to lead the research, design, & execution of multi-disciplinary development of hardware systems, including servers/firewalls, security appliances, switches, & access points. Scope includes management of cross-geo teams & driving development with JDM/ODM partners, primarily in Asia.
As a member of the hardware & operations leadership team, you will work closely with Software, Product, Finance, & Operations to align hardware strategy with business priorities. This role requires a leader who can operate at both a strategic and operational level, with a clear focus on execution, accountability, and results.
What You'll Do
- Design and Development leadership of global HW engineering team
- Hands-on engagement with Software & Product leads for hardware architecture definition, including silicon selection & system power/thermal/mech decisions in line with target COGs
- Drive multi-disciplinary functions with a broad view of hardware development across all facets - board & system design, Power, SI, ECAD, Mech/Thermal, Validation, Compliance
- Experience evaluating trade-offs in design for manufacturing, reliability, quality
- Working knowledge in high-speed network interfaces (25Gbps+), PCIe gen3+, DDR4+, CPU (x86 or ARM) subsystems, WiFi, Cellular technologies
- Provide visibility to executive leadership on performance, risks, and priorities
- Advocate and drive career planning, compensation, and employee development across hardware org. Drive hiring and resourcing plans (headcount & budget)
Qualifications
- BS degree in EE or CE, with 15+ years of technical experience
- Minimum 10+ years of technical & people leadership experience
- Relevant experience in design of hardware products, with expertise in architecture, design tools & ecosystems such as PCB design, power management, logic design
- Experience supporting new product introductions and influencing cross-functional decisions
- Experience driving hardware development in both internal & JDM/ODM models
- Ability to operate effectively at the executive level, internally and externally with JDM & supply chain execs
- Experience building and leading high-performing teams
- Strong strategic communication, with solid operations & financial acumen
Preferred
- Experience with servers, network security, firewall, and/or edge networking products
- Deep understanding of platform software requirements & ability to drive architectural decisions for well-integrated systems/solutions
- Ability to drive decisions across hardware functions including Mech/Thermal, SI, ECAD, Diagnostics, Validation, Compliance
- Familiarity with global JDM/ODM ecosystems, especially in Asia
- Trusted partnership with Software, Marketing & Supply Chain leadership for successful GTM & product lifecycle for high volume product families
Why This Role
This is a critical leadership role with direct impact on hardware product strategy & roadmap definition, revenue, cost structure, and customer delivery. You will shape how the company develops and delivers products at scale while partnering closely with executive leadership to drive business outcomes.
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