At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead hardware engineering for innovative systems that operate in real-world conditions.
- Company: Join Ctrl, a cutting-edge tech company focused on reliable hardware solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, equity participation, health coverage, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Small team environment with rapid project deployment and growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact by working on systems that fly and drive in the field.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in hardware engineering and experience leading teams.
The predicted salary is between 135000 - 165000 $ per year.
Ctrl's edge is physical: docks that survive winters, payloads that hold calibration, comms that work where there's no infrastructure. Hardware is where reliability is won or lost. As Director of Hardware Engineering you'll own the hardware program — dock integrations, sensor payloads, power and comms systems, and the test discipline that keeps fielded systems running through conditions that break consumer gear.
Note: This role includes a forward-deployed mandate. You'll work hands-on with deployed systems and operators in real-world environments.
What You'll Do
- Own hardware architecture across dock installs, payload integration, and edge compute nodes.
- Lead integration of DJI, Skydio, Starlink, C-UAS, and sensor systems into unified deployments.
- Build the test and validation program: environmental, endurance, and pre-deployment checks.
- Manage vendor relationships, sourcing, and low-volume production runs.
- Establish maintenance engineering — component life tracking, failure analysis, retrofits.
- Grow a small, senior hardware team as the deployed fleet scales.
What You'll Bring
- 8+ years in hardware/electrical/mechatronics engineering with fielded product experience.
- 3+ years leading hardware teams or programs.
- Depth in at least two of: power systems, RF/comms, sensor integration, ruggedized enclosures.
- Experience with regulatory and environmental certification for outdoor systems.
- Hands-on builder — you prototype, instrument, and debug on the bench and in the field.
- Eligibility for Canadian security clearance preferred; no defence background required.
Why Join Us
- We keep the team small and the stakes high. At Ctrl, you'll work on systems that fly, drive, and dock in the real world — not demos. Our platforms run missions for energy, government, and security operators today.
- Own outcomes end to end. Small team, short chain of command, and direct access to the people making the calls.
- See your work in the field within weeks, not quarters. We build, deploy, and learn on real sites in real conditions.
- Grow with the deployed fleet — as the network of docks, sensors, and missions scales, so does your scope.
- Competitive salary with equity participation.
- Health and dental coverage.
- Field kit, certifications, and training on us.
- Performance-based equity top-ups as the company grows.
Director of Hardware Engineering employer: CTRL
At Ctrl, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer where innovation meets real-world application. As the Director of Technology, you'll lead a dynamic team in a fast-paced startup environment, driving cutting-edge robotics and software solutions that have immediate impact. With competitive salaries, equity participation, and a culture that fosters growth and hands-on leadership, you'll find meaningful opportunities to advance your career while working on transformative projects in the field.
