Director of Hardware Engineering

At Interstellar Lab our mission is to build a future full of life, on Earth and beyond. We believe in a future where technology is enabling humans to live in harmony with nature, a future where biodiversity thrives and expands, a future where terrestrial life become multi-planetary.

To build this future, we design, manufacture and operate controlled-environment biofarms that unleash the power of plants. On Earth and in Space. Our solutions combine Hardware, AI and Bioscience. We use controlled-environment technology to mimic a multitude of conditions to allow plants, fungi and microorganisms to grow faster and better.

On Earth, we are pioneering molecular and bio-farming, boosting production of nutrients, metabolites and bioactive compounds in plants while providing a sustainable and safe source of plant materials. Our customers are large beauty, perfume, natural ingredients, food&beverage and neutraceuticals companies. 

To advance space exploration, we work with space agencies and private companies and provide them bio-farming units to grow efficiently food for astronaut and/or conduct research on impact of microgravity on plant molecular composition.

ABOUT THE ROLE 

As we are accelerating our growth with the current deployment of the first BioFactory and industrialization of our BioPods, Interstellar Lab is looking for a highly experienced and dynamic Director of Hardware Engineering to lead our engineering department.The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managing complex product development, leading a team of diverse engineers, driving innovation and delivering high-quality products on time and within budget.As the Director of Hardware Engineering, you will be responsible for setting the technical vision, developing strategic plans, and ensuring the successful execution of engineering projects. You will work closely with other executive team members to align engineering goals with the overall business objectives. Your leadership will be crucial in fostering a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and strong collaboration.The ideal candidate will have a solution driven mindset, be relentless, curious and very rigorous with a deep understanding of modern engineering practices, tools, and technologies. He will be able to effectively communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. You will also be expected to stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to ensure that our engineering practices remain cutting-edge.
This role requires a strategic thinker with strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and a passion for technology and innovation. If you are a visionary leader with a strong technical background and a proven ability to drive engineering excellence, we would love to hear from you.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the engineering team in alignment with Interstellar Lab's mission.
• Develop and articulate the engineering vision and strategy aligned with the company’s goals and objectives.
• Create and maintain a technology roadmap that ensures the company stays competitive and innovative.
• Oversee the engineering budget, ensuring cost-effective allocation of resources.
• Drive the development and innovation of controlled environment biofarming systems.
• Provide leadership and direction to the engineering team, fostering a culture of excellence, continuous improvement, and strong collaboration.
• Collaborate closely with C-levels and across departments.
• Oversee the entire product lifecycle, from concept to commercialization.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and delivery of engineering projects, ensuring they meet deadlines, budget, and quality standards
• Implement and refine engineering processes and best practices to optimize efficiency and productivity.
• Ensure robust testing, validation, and quality assurance processes are in place.
• Drive research and development efforts to explore new technologies and solutions that can give the company a competitive edge.
• Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory standards and requirements.
• Implement and maintain security protocols to protect the company's data and intellectual property.
• Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with product development.
• Act as the primary point of contact for internal regarding engineering-related matters.
• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies, evaluating their potential impact on the company.

QUALIFICATIONS

•  Master's Degree in Engineering or +
•  Min 10+ years of complex product engineering experience in aerospace or automotive industry
•  Min 5+ years in Leadership Position
•  Proven track record of leading engineering teams.
•  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
•  Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
•  Experience with budget management and resource allocation.
•  Experience with project management and execution.

LOCATION

• Paris, France 

Interstellar Lab is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  Interstellar Lab does not discriminate on the basis of race, regional color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.