Director of Hardware

The CompanyAt PAX, we’re on a mission to enhance people’s lives through exceptional consumer experiences—honoring the plant through pioneering innovation, science-backed quality, and award-winning design. For nearly two decades, PAX has delivered high performance products crafted for precision, purity, and consistency that are trusted by millions worldwide. Our culture is built on putting people at the center of everything we do, making an impact together, and having fun along the way. We believe exceptional products, a thriving employee experience, and strong operational rhythms go hand-in-hand. PAX has been recognized for its brand, culture and products by The New York Times’ Wirecutter, TIME, Fast Company, GQ, Gear Patrol, mg Magazine, High Times, and many more. PAX is certified Plastic Negative across all product lines by rePurpose Global, ensuring that twice as much plastic is removed from nature as is used in its products.Role And ResponsibilitiesReporting to the VP of Engineering, PAX is looking for a Director of Hardware to lead the group of hardware and mechanical engineers responsible for the design, development, and support of PAX hardware products.This role serves as a cross-functional leader and “glue” between multiple company touch-points in collaboration including electrical, mechanical, embedded, product integrity, sourcing, and product management teams. Hardware and mechanical engineers at PAX are responsible for system architecture and detailed design of all of our products, working closely with the rest of the organization and our manufacturing partners to achieve the Industrial Design and Product vision for the device. Our products are hailed for their beautiful design language, high quality and reliability, and attention to details. Our goal is to be the industry leader with product and technology innovations. This role is critical to managing and building our hardware and mechanical engineering team, the processes and best practices for cross-functional design execution, and up-leveling our skill-set and quality.As The PAX Director Of Hardware, You WillManage, grow, and inspire our hardware and mechanical engineering team using your experience and track record of hiring and retaining top talent from the industryDrive process development, improvements, and best practices consistent with building a “world class” hardware product development organizationHold the quality bar high, drive system-level design reviews, and increase sophistication and technological excellence of our products on aggressive schedulesDevelop and maintain effective tools and train capabilities for the group including EE/ME design software (EDA/CAD), PLM systems, and cross-disciplinary simulation softwareCollaborate with R&D to drive far-reaching technology development initiativesOversee and manage hardware resourcing across multiple parallel programsDevelop and drive key team goals and OKRs on a quarterly and annual basisPredict, manage, and when needed react to escalations and new risks in collaboration with Product Development and Supply ChainTravel to support manufacturing builds and ensure factory engagement and EE/ME integration best practices are establishedWhat We Look For In You10+ years in consumer products and/or other product development5+ years of people management experienceDeeply technical mechanical engineering backgroundExtensive CAD design experience (Solidworks)Proven experience in structural analysis, thermal analysis, and/or fluid dynamics simulationsWorking knowledge of electronics and proven track record of working with EE to integrate complex electronics into small form factorsExpert working knowledge of material fabrication processes and design constraints including engineered plastics and plastic injection (single shot, double shot, insert/overmould), and metal fabrication process (stamping, machining, turning, plating, extrusion etc)Proven track record of working with Reliability through DFMEA process and developing products to the product spec, and addressing issues during NPI to resolveStrong track record of shipping products and managing them through their entire life cycleExperience working with Asian manufacturing and supply chains including travel to manufacturing sitesExcellent organizational, communication, presentation, and data analytics skillsAbility to meet international travel expectations (~10%)Ideally, YouHave seen multiple product cycles from start to finish and shipping consumer hardware at high volume Pride yourself on your cross-functional collaboration, you thrive when you are working with othersAre a creative problem solver and make data-driven decisionsPractice servant leadership and realize it’s your first responsibility to unblock the team so they can move forward, while also focusing on coaching and mentoring them along the wayHave a track record of making your engineers better than youEDUCATIONBS in ME, related discipline, or demonstrated equivalent experienceMS or higher preferredPax Labs Perks & BenefitsCompetitive compensation, equity & bi-annual performance reviewsFully funded comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage401K planGenerous PTO policy Paid Parental LeaveMonthly wellness reimbursementCell Phone reimbursementEmployee Purchase Program for discounted PAX devicesWeekly catered lunch, endless snacks and beveragesDog Friendly HQ in the Mission District of San FranciscoEmployee Assistance Program including access to online legal supportCompensationIn addition to the benefits above, the salary for this role is $210,000 – $265,000 + equity. This represents what we believe, in good faith, this role will pay. The final pay will depend on many factors, including years and depth of experience, level, and location of the employee.PAX VALUESPut Consumers First - We are here to enhance their lives. We put their needs first in everything we do. We work together to deliver unique solutions for their benefit.Build a Community - We are active and beneficial builders of a global community. We collaborate together to support sustainability, well-being and social equity efforts—both internally and externally—to establish cannabis as a force for good.Innovate with Passion - We are passionate about enhancing the cannabis experience by making it positive, accessible and intuitive. We set the standards, innovate for consumers and find the yes as a team. Be the Solution and Collaborate - We work as a team to achieve winning outcomes, knowing we each individually are the solution, but can only succeed together.Lead with Humility and Transparency - We stay open and humble in everything we do. We value learning from each other, and cultivate transparency in our culture and products.We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.