Director of Design and Engineering (Robotics)

TL;DR

Director of Design and Engineering (Robotics): Leading the end-to-end development of high-performance unmanned surface vessels (USVs) from concept through production with an accent on integrating industrial design and mechanical systems. Focus on driving rapid development cycles and ensuring the seamless integration of digital controls and autonomy into physical maritime platforms.

Location: Must be based in Valdosta, GA. U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence is required due to ITAR/EAR restrictions.

Company

hirify.global develops complex unmanned systems and high-performance vessels for defense and specialized maritime applications.

What you will do

• Lead short- and long-term product strategy, including roadmap development and model planning for USVs.
• Oversee complete design packages, including systems architecture, construction plans, and production documentation.
• Manage multidisciplinary teams across product design, mechanical systems, controls, and manufacturing engineering.
• Coordinate the integration of manual control systems with the autonomy tech stack to ensure seamless remote operation.
• Manage tooling development and act as the primary liaison with external vendors and design partners.
• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of CAD, PLM, and BOM systems.

Requirements

• Proven leadership experience in product development and engineering within a complex manufacturing environment.
• Strong background in mechanical systems, product design, and manufacturing processes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage full product lifecycle development and multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience with project planning, budgeting, and execution of large-scale programs.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence is mandatory for ITAR/EAR compliance.

Nice to have

• Experience with maritime systems, autonomous platforms, or defense-related products.
• Familiarity with NAVSEA, military specifications, or ABYC certification.
• OSHA training or equivalent safety certification.
• Experience in marine or transportation engineered products.

Culture & Benefits

• Compensation package including base pay, a generous annual equity package, and potential bonuses.
• Opportunity to lead high-impact, cutting-edge robotics projects in the defense sector.
• Work environment focused on innovation, reliability, and strict safety standards.