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VP of Hardware Engineering

San Francisco, CA

Position Overview:

As the Vice President of Hardware Engineering at Fellow, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our product line of premium coffee and connected kitchenware appliances. You will lead our mechanical, electrical and firmware engineering teams across our entire product roadmap, transforming innovative ideas and prototype concepts into manufacturable products that embody our brand's commitment to premium quality and intuitive design.

This is a hands-on leadership position where you will build and lead engineering teams in the US and China. 

The VP of Hardware Engineering will accomplish all of this while living out Fellowship Thinking, our leadership principles:

  • Fellowship Thinking centers our customers, always.
  • Fellowship Thinking views all goals as shared.
  • Fellowship Thinking never stops improving.
  • Fellowship Thinking says “yes, if”.
  • Fellowship Thinking deliberately seeks equity. 

This position is required to be in the Bay Area as this is a hybrid position, 3 days in our San Francisco office each week.

  • Technical Leadership & Collaboration: Serve as the ultimate technical authority for Fellow's hardware, expertly balancing design innovation, risk mitigation, budget constraints, and project timelines. Collaborate with cross-functional teams (product, systems engineering, manufacturing) to ensure alignment and excellence at every stage.
  • End-to-End Hardware Development: Own the entire hardware development process – from conceptualization to manufacturing. Oversee mechanical, electrical, and firmware aspects, while collaborating with product, category, and operations teams to optimize design, cost, quality, and manufacturability.
  • Team Building & Innovation: Cultivate a world-class engineering team, and augment support when needed through JDM partners and external consultants. . Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous improvement, and relentless innovation. Mentor and guide team members to overcome challenges and achieve breakthrough results.
  • Project & Product Management: Orchestrate multiple projects simultaneously, each with distinct timelines and requirements. Uphold Fellow's product value proposition throughout the development process, meticulously balancing quality, cost, and manufacturing considerations.
  • Strategic Vision: Continuously scan the horizon for emerging technologies, identifying and implementing those that will advance Fellow's product offerings. Develop and manage budgets and timelines that enable efficient product development. Stay ahead of industry trends, positioning Fellow as a market leader.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical preferred) or equivalent professional experience.
  • 12+ years of experience in engineering and product development, ideally with consumer electronics, kitchen appliances, or similar products.
  • Deep expertise in mechanical engineering (mechanisms, heating elements, motors etc) and electrical engineering (PCBA design, component selection process, thermal management etc) 
  • Thorough understanding of the full product development lifecycle, from concept to mass production.
  • Proven track record of launching successful consumer electronic or kitchen appliance products.
  • Strong leadership skills, with experience managing multidisciplinary teams (R&D, engineering, quality, project management).
  • Familiarity with standard hardware development processes (concept, prototyping, EVT, DVT, PVT, MP).
  • Experience working with sourcing and supply chain teams for cost management.
  • Drive to leverage engineering and technology to improve lives.
  • Sales mindset with a focus on delivering customer value through engineering and technology.
  • Problem-solver who thrives on challenges.
  • Flexibility to collaborate with our teams in China and manufacturing partners. 

Benefits:

  • Competitive compensation including employee equity plan
  • Generous paid time off plan
  • 401k with company contribution after 6 months of employment
  • Medical/dental/vision insurance
  • Monthly Fitness Stipend
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Better Yourself Wellness credit & Better Your Community donation matching
  • Generous discount on Fellow products
  • Best coffee anywhere

Salary Range: $225,000-$275,000

Our highest goal at Fellow is creating a safe, inclusive, and rewarding environment where everyone can bring their whole selves to work and thrive. We are committed to building diverse teams and strongly encourage people from underrepresented groups, including but not limited to women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply. 

Fellow is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

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