Senior Director, Hardware

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
• 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
• Able to operate effectively at the executive level, internally and externally with JDM & supply chain execs
• Ability to build and lead 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.

SonicWall is an equal opportunity employer.

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.