Vice President of Engineering

As the Vice President of Engineering at Voyant Photonics, you will be responsible for leading the development and scaling of our innovative LiDAR hardware. This includes owning the entire hardware engineering process, transitioning from R&D to mass production, managing production ramp-up, and collaborating closely with leadership on aligning technical initiatives with business objectives. Your focus will be on delivering scalable, high-performance LiDAR solutions while mentoring a diverse engineering team.

To apply for the Vice President of Engineering position at Voyant Photonics, candidates should have over 10 years of experience leading engineering teams in hardware product development, a proven track record in shipping complex electronic hardware at scale, and experience with contract manufacturing and supply chain processes. A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering or a related field is also required, along with strong leadership and technical skills.

While a strong background in hardware product development is essential for the Vice President of Engineering at Voyant Photonics, preferred qualifications include experience with high-reliability designs and familiarity with functional safety standards. Additionally, knowledge in photonics, optics, or semiconductor-based sensing technologies, along with previous experience in startups where you scaled products from prototype to mass production, will set you apart.

As Vice President of Engineering at Voyant Photonics, you can expect a flexible work environment. The role is primarily based in New York City, but remote arrangements are also acceptable with regular monthly travel to NYC. We promote a hybrid culture with a focus on collaboration during team events and company meetups, ensuring that while you have the flexibility, you’re also part of a vibrant workplace community.

Voyant Photonics offers a competitive salary and an attractive equity package for the Vice President of Engineering position, alongside comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. You'll enjoy unlimited PTO, paid company holidays, and a flexible work environment that supports both hybrid and remote setups, enhancing the work-life balance for our team members.

In answering this question, highlight specific projects where you led hardware product development teams. Discuss the hardware aspects you were responsible for, including electronics, mechanical design, and software integration. Make sure to explain the challenges faced and how you overcame them, showcasing your leadership style and technical expertise.

Share your approach to scaling production by describing specific strategies you have implemented in the past. Discuss how you have worked with contract manufacturers and established supply chain partnerships to ensure cost-effective, efficient, and reliable manufacturing processes. Highlight any metrics you've used to measure success.

Discuss your management style and how you create a collaborative and motivating environment. Provide examples of how you mentor team members, promote innovative thinking, and drive technical alignment within the group. Share tools or techniques you utilize to foster communication and project management.

Explain the importance of adhering to industry standards and how you implement best practices in engineering processes. Discuss your experience with design validation, requirements management, and product lifecycle management. Describe any specific standards you are familiar with and how they influenced your previous projects.

Be candid about the specific challenges you've encountered, whether they were technical, operational, or managerial. Share how you approached these challenges, the steps you took to mitigate risks, and the ultimate outcome. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.

Share a detailed account of a specific NPI initiative you led, including the planning stages, execution, and outcomes. Discuss the collaboration with different teams, timelines, and how you ensured that all aspects of product readiness were aligned with business objectives.

Discuss your approach to fostering innovation while ensuring deliverables meet timelines. Explain how you promote a culture of creativity within your team but also establish clear milestones and accountability. Provide examples of projects where you've successfully balanced these two aspects.

Emphasize the importance of cross-functional collaboration in achieving engineering goals. Share how you involve other departments, such as product development, sales, and operations, in the engineering processes, fostering a culture of teamwork and shared objectives.

In your response, talk about the strategies you use to mentor team members, such as regular feedback sessions and professional development opportunities. Highlight how you identify strengths and areas for growth within the team, and how you create an environment that encourages continuous learning.

Provide insights into your experience with managing external manufacturing relationships. Discuss how you select partners, ensure quality control, negotiate contracts, and manage ongoing relationships. Highlight any successes in reducing costs or improving efficiencies through effective supply chain management.