VP of Engineering (SW/FW/EE)

Gradient’s mission is to cool the world by transforming every home to be more comfortable and healthy for the people who inhabit it — without compromising the environment. Today, heating and cooling equipment emit more greenhouse gas emissions than the entire transportation sector, and expansion in the use of cooling is projected to double these emissions in the next 30 years. However, comfortable buildings are critical for health and productivity, especially among communities that are vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Gradient’s vision is a future where everyone has access to comfortable buildings that are fully decarbonized. Our launch product is a direct-to-consumer high-efficiency and low-carbon heat pump.

The VP of Engineering (SW/FW/EE) will lead the architecture and implementation of our software, backend, controls, and electronics strategy. You will work in close partnership with the executive team to set the company’s vision for taking products from prototype to volume production.  Your exceptional leadership, vision, technical aptitude and ambition for building & growing an industry-leading organization will be key in our success.  You have the mindset that anything is possible and possess the influence to inspire the team to do whatever it takes.

The ideal candidate will have a proven track record building complex fully integrated hardware products from development to commercialization.  In this position you will be responsible for providing vision and leadership while also engaging in a hands-on capacity.  Putting in place operating processes to ensure Gradient meets its production and quality target will be critical to our success.

Responsibilities:

Consistently deliver awesome products

• Compassionate and energetic team leader who brings out the best in everyone.  People love working with you and as a result your teams deliver amazing results
• Leading the strategy and execution of all firmware, software and electronics including building and tracking against program plans and budgets
• Provide hands on expertise through each build phase identifying, prioritizing and solving problems quickly and efficiently
• Build and finalize electronics and software product specifications, including communication and display protocols to execute on usability requirements
• Develop testing fixtures and manufacturing reliability plans for production level electronic and firmware systems

Build, retain and develop an A-team

• Rigorously recruit, retain and reward A-players that continuously raise the talent bar
• Manage performance and talent development with clear plans and measurable milestones
• Coach and cultivate engineering ability and an innovative mindset in junior and senior engineers alike

Enthusiastically Driven & Collaborative

• Inspire the team to innovate, invent, implement and deploy complex solutions in a commercial, mission-critical environment
• Develop strong cross-functional relationships embracing teamwork, agility and entrepreneurial mindset

Desired Qualifications:

• Proven track record of shipping high-quality electronics and software consumer products on a tight schedule.
• 7+ years designing and leading development of embedded systems solutions.
• 3+ years of team management (preferably internal and consultants)
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering; Master’s preferred.
• Experience in RTOS, Bare-metal development, AWS FreeRTOS, AWS IoT
• Ability to travel globally, including trips to China, Mexico and the EU (once Covid is over)

Bonus Qualifications

• Smartphone app development experience
• Experience in the HVAC, energy, or clean technology sector
• Familiarity with Demand Response or integration with other utility-driven energy management programs 

Benefits 

• Equity
• Medical/vision/dental/life/disability insurance
• 401k
• Paid parental leave
• Professional Development Stipend
• Commuter benefits
• Unlimited PTO 
• Relocation package ( out of state applicants only ) 

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive company. We seek to create a culture where everyone can belong because we believe that people do their best work when they can show up every day as their authentic selves. We welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities, and perspectives.

Gradient Comfort is an equal opportunity employer. We do not make hiring or employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information, in compliance with applicable federal, state and local law.