Principal Systems Engineer, Communications Hardware (Remote Eligible | Relocation Assistance Available)
About the Role
We are seeking a Principal Hardware Systems Architect to own system architecture and technical integration across electrical, RF, mechanical, thermal, and power domains. As a founding leader within the Axon 911 hardware team, you will define and drive technical standards, architecture, and engineering processes for our mission-critical hardware, ensuring it is designed, validated, and scaled for mass production.
Responsibilities
- System Architecture & Design:
- Develop system architecture considering industrial design, electrical design, RF integration, mechanical design, software, and product management.
- Create system architectures, block diagrams, and interaction diagrams to guide implementation.
- Analyze power, thermal, and computational constraints, balancing performance, size, and cost.
- Lead concept studies and present outcomes and recommendations.
- Systems Requirements:
- Write and vet system requirements with clear, testable design targets.
- Review and provide input on product requirements for next-generation devices.
- Simulate and estimate subsystem capability against requirements.
- Manage requirements and maintain traceability from PRD through V&V.
- Technical Leadership:
- Lead cross-discipline design reviews and organize cross-functional system reviews.
- Resolve competing engineering constraints and provide technical direction to EE, RF, and ME leads.
- Design Verification, Validation Planning & Risk Mitigation:
- Own system-level verification and validation strategy.
- Perform risk analysis, develop mitigation strategies, and close the loop on design characterization and verification results.
- Carry technical accountability for program schedule and risk, translating complex tradeoffs into clear decisions for leadership.
- Manufacturing & Certification:
- Partner with ODM/JDM and manufacturing teams on DFM/DFA, engineering builds, and production readiness.
- Own system-level certification strategy across U.S. and international regulatory standards.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of hardware engineering experience, with deep expertise in at least two of: electrical engineering, RF engineering, or mechanical engineering, and strong working knowledge of the third.
- Proven experience owning system architecture and cross-disciplinary technical decisions for complex, integrated hardware.
- Track record of taking compact, connected, battery-powered hardware from concept through mass production, including EVT/DVT/PVT, certification, and manufacturing ramp.
- Deep experience in RF/antenna integration, power architecture, thermal management, EMI/EMC, shielding, enclosure design, and mechanical tolerances.
- Experience developing system requirements and validation plans, with familiarity across U.S. and international hardware certification and regulatory requirements.
- Experience working with ODM/JDM or contract manufacturing partners.
- Familiarity with hardware design, simulation, testing, and lifecycle tools (e.g., Altium/Cadence, SolidWorks/Creo/NX, RF/electrical test equipment, thermal characterization tools, PLM/BOM, requirements-management systems).
- Strong ability to communicate technical risk to senior leadership and thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
Work Location
This position offers a hybrid schedule, requiring team members to work onsite at one of our regional hubs in New York City, Boston, or Scottsdale, Arizona, from Tuesday through Friday.
Relocation Assistance
Relocation support is available for qualified candidates based in the U.S., authorized to work for a U.S. employer, and open to relocating closer to one of our regional hubs.
Fully Remote Eligibility
Full-time remote eligibility will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to accommodate specific needs.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and 401k with employer match
- Discretionary paid time off
- Paid parental leave
- Medical, dental, and vision plans
- Fitness programs
- Emotional & mental wellness support
- Learning & development programs
Pay
The starting base annual pay for this role is between $210,600.00 - $242,100.00, excluding annual bonuses and equity, depending on geographic market. Actual salary varies based on factors like level, function, experience, and location.