Director of Hardware Solutions

What We Do at Anno.ai

Anno.ai is a mission-focused defense technology startup dedicated to accelerating the safe and effective development of next-generation autonomous systems. We specialize in building and operating advanced test ranges for low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) single- or dual- use autonomous platforms, providing a critical bridge between early-stage innovation and real-world mission requirements.

Our ranges are designed to replicate complex, contested, and dynamic environments—giving innovators, researchers, and defense partners the ability to validate, stress-test, and mature their systems with speed and rigor. By combining deep technical expertise with a strong national security ethos, Anno.ai ensures that emerging autonomous technologies are tested not only for performance, but for resilience, adaptability, and operational relevance.

Anno.ai is a growing company with a team drawn from diverse professional backgrounds, bringing together expertise in defense, technology, engineering, and operations. We intentionally build our teams on the foundation of trust. Our values including the trust rule, ownership, bias for action, never stop learning, and sustainable excellence, not only guide how we work internally, but also how we partner with customers and stakeholders.

At Anno.ai, we believe that mission success depends on empowering innovation at the edge. We exist to help our partners move faster, fail smarter, and ultimately deliver autonomous capabilities that safeguard both national security and the future of global stability.

Position Overview

Anno.ai is seeking a Director for the Hardware Solutions to lead and contribute to the design, development, testing, and production of advanced hardware systems. This role requires a balance of hands-on technical expertise and leadership in program execution, while guiding multidisciplinary teams from concept through delivery in support of mission-critical applications.

The ideal candidate has a strong engineering foundation, proven experience in managing complex hardware programs, and the ability to work in secure environments supporting defense and national security customers.

Responsibilities

• Drive end-to-end hardware solution development, including requirements definition, system design, prototyping, test and evaluation, and production transition
• Provide technical oversight and direction to engineering teams across electrical, mechanical, and systems disciplines
• Ensure compliance with MIL-STD and industry best practices for ruggedization, low SWaP-C design, and reliability
• Manage cross-functional engineering teams, balancing technical execution with schedule, budget, and risk constraints
• Serve as a technical interface to customers, partners, and internal stakeholders
• Mentor engineers, fostering growth and maintaining high technical standards across the organization
• Identify and evaluate emerging technologies relevant to edge computing, sensing, and tactical mission systems
• Translate customer requirements into innovative hardware architectures and solutions
• Lead reviews, demonstrations, and field trials to validate performance
• Oversee the transition of prototypes to production-ready hardware, ensuring manufacturability, scalability, and quality assurance
• Support test readiness reviews, qualification, and compliance testing
• Maintain accountability for final system delivery, documentation, and lifecycle support
  
  

Skills & Talents

• Experience with low SWaP-C tactical hardware and edge devices
• Knowledge of DoD/IC mission applications, including sensing, ISR, or communications systems
• Familiarity with production-scale hardware manufacturing and supply chain management
• Prior experience supporting proposal development, customer engagement, and technical roadmapping
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Resilience, adaptability, and a results-oriented mindset
• Strong ethical standards and integrity
• The ability to be vulnerable and fail fast
• The mentality that the team is always first
  
  

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Systems, or related field)
• 12+ years of experience in hardware design, development, test, and production within aerospace, defense, or related high-reliability industries
• Experience with system engineering lifecycle management, from requirements to production
• Hands-on experience with design reviews, hardware validation, and field deployment testing
• Demonstrated ability to manage multidisciplinary technical teams while contributing directly as a subject matter expert
• Strong understanding of DoD acquisition processes, compliance requirements, and MIL-STD testing
• Eligible for a U.S. Government Security Clearance (Secret or TS//SCI)
  
  

Total Rewards Package for Our US Employees

• Competitive salary
• Equity
• Comprehensive benefits package
• 401k with a 5% company match
• Paid holidays and generous paid time off offering
• Paid leave programs
• Patent bonus program
• Employee referral bonus program
• Learning and development program
• Opportunity to work with a team of highly skilled, creative and motivated team members
  
  

Quick Note on Role Fit

If you think you have what it takes to fulfill this opportunity, but don't necessarily check every box, please still connect with us at [email protected]. Feel free to send a cover letter so we can get to know you better!