Director, Mechanical Engineering

Axon•Scottsdale, AZ

41d•Hybrid

About The Position

At Axon, we're on a mission to Protect Life. We're explorers, pursuing society's most critical safety and justice issues with our ecosystem of devices and cloud software. Like our products, we work better together. We connect with candor and care, seeking out diverse perspectives from our customers, communities and each other. Life at Axon is fast-paced, challenging and meaningful. Here, you'll take ownership and drive real change. Constantly grow as you work hard for a mission that matters at a company where you matter. Your Impact Axon is committed to improving public safety by developing cutting-edge, innovative technologies. Known for developing the original TASER energy weapon, the Axon engineering team is tasked with continual excellence to keep the organization at the forefront of the market. The Director of Mechanical Engineering at Axon has full responsibility over the development of next generation life-saving technology from conceptualization through production. Their work is highly visible to even the most senior executives. Their detailed oversight of engineering design and deliverables is instrumental to the continued growth of the engineering organization. An ideal candidate is someone who is a passionate leader and effective cross-functional collaborator with product managers, electrical engineers, industrial designers, and manufacturing partners. This role is vital to the success of the team and ensuring the safety of the general public for generations to come. The Director of Mechanical Engineering is a hands-on individual who isn't hesitant to roll up their sleeves and dive into engineering design, and other engineering activities while also keeping a pulse on the strategic growth of the organization. Work Location: This role is based out of our Scottsdale, AZ office and follows a hybrid schedule. We rely on in-person collaboration and ask that team members work onsite Tuesdays through Fridays, with the flexibility to work remotely on Mondays, unless there is an approved workplace accommodation. We believe that connection fuels innovation, and our in-office culture is designed to foster meaningful teamwork, mentorship, and shared success.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent experience (Master's degree preferred)
Minimum 15+ years of product design experience in high-end consumer or professional electronic products
Minimum 6+ years of leading mechanical engineering teams
Skilled with hiring and developing high performing teams
Proven record of launching high volume electronic product concepts through production
Experience with high volume manufacturing and assembly processes
Extensive experience collaborating with, and managing, overseas development and manufacturing partners
Knowledge working with PDM/PLM systems
Experience with change management systems and processes
Strong DFM/DFA skills, with emphasis on part/assembly tolerance management, to ensure robust designs for high volume manufacturing
Knowledgeable in design of plastic injection molded parts, electro-mechanical integration, adhesive bonded joints, metal stamped parts, die-cast parts, and machined parts
Proven ability to balance conflicting design constraints through analysis, testing, and creativity
Ability to collaborate with peers in a candid cross functional team culture
Proven success in a fast-paced, high technology environment with tight deadlines
Experience designing, fabricating, debugging and testing high fidelity proof-of-concept prototypes
Experience performing detailed mechanical analysis including kinematics, FEA, tolerance analysis, testing and more
Proficient in 3D CAD modeling (CREO preferred), including surface modeling & master modeling

Responsibilities

Lead and inspire a talented team of mechanical engineers to innovate, create, and achieve their full potential in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Review and guide the detailed design, development, and testing of cutting-edge mechanical products, systems, and components
Enforce engineering rigor and due diligence throughout development lifecycle
Ensure projects are executed with precision and meet the highest quality standards
Shape and execute the mechanical engineering strategy that drives our company's mission and vision
Forge connections with other departments, from marketing to manufacturing, to create a cohesive business strategy
Build and maintain relationships with external partners and vendors
Regularly communicate project progress, key milestones, and any challenges that arise to senior management
Utilize creative problem solving skills to lead ideation of new product architectural concepts for subsystem and system level designs