Head of Hardware

Nexxiot is digitalizing freight asset management with technology that now oversees the world's most extensive network of connected intermodal containers and railcars.

Clients gain access to unparalleled real-time data, which streamlines fleet management and automates logistics processes. Nexxiot devices, built for resilience, withstand extreme conditions and provide long-term, detailed insights into cargo events, including impacts, delays, safety and security incidents, and loading activities.

Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Nexxiot's influence extends globally. Our team, comprised of industry experts, operates from offices in Europe and North America and maintains a presence in a majority of depots, ports, and rail yards.

**Job Summary**:
We are looking for a hands-on Head of Hardware with a strong background in electronics development to lead our Hardware Development, Firmware, and Industrialization teams. This person needs to be at least 3 days in our offices in Zurich.

In this role, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality, long-lasting products and services, ensuring seamless connectivity while maintaining a quality-first approach. Your leadership will be key to driving innovation and excellence in our hardware solutions.

**Please note**: This position requires regular on-site presence (3-4 days per week) at our headquarters in **Zurich, Switzerland**. We welcome applicants based in the DACH region who are open to commuting or relocating.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- **Leadership and Strategy**:

- Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with the company's vision and goals.
- Lead, mentor and empower the assigned hardware-related teams.
- Work closely with the CEO, the Chief Product Officer and other senior leaders to drive company growth and innovation.
- **Electronic Hardware Development**:

- Lead the design, development, and testing of IoT hardware components.
- Ensure product designs meet quality, performance, and cost targets.
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement to drive excellence in hardware development.
- **Industrialization and Production**:

- Manage and oversee the seamless transition of products from development to mass production.
- Optimize manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency, scalability, and cost-effectiveness.
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and partners.
- **Quality Assurance**:

- Implement robust quality control systems to ensure product reliability and compliance with industry standards.
- Continuously monitor and analyze production metrics to identify areas for improvement.
- **Financial Management**:

- Plan, develop and manage budgets for hardware development.
- Track financial performance and implement cost-saving measures as needed.
- **Compliance and Safety**:

- Ensure full compliance with all relevant regulations, safety standards, and industry requirements.
- Promote a culture of quality, safety and environmental responsibility across the organization.

**Key skills and experiences**:

- Leadership and Management: Demonstrated experience leading large teams within complex, matrixed organizations.
- Strategic Thinking: Forward looking radar to identify future technologies and trends to implement competitive advantages.
- Partner
- and Supplier management: EMS/ODM/OEM and CEM experience, and strong negotiation skills.
- Digitalization in industrial environments, both on the product and process side.
- Regulatory Compliance and Standards: Optimize and maintain corporate-level policies, procedures, and standards to ensure the company meets all regulatory requirements and quality benchmarks, reinforcing the company's commitment to quality and mitigating compliance risks.
- Communication and Interaction: excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence cross-functional teams.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, project management and execution skills.

**Formal requirements**:

- Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Production Technologies, Physics, or similar; PhD or technical post-graduate degree beneficial.
- 10+ years of experience in similar or comparable functions, with at least 3 years in a senior leadership role in IoT, mobile telecommunication technologies, or electronic manufacturing.
- Ideally, familiarity and/or experience with industry standards such as FCC, ATEX IECEx quality surveillance on production and logistics, IP 69K, IK and MIL-STD; and Environmental Directives and regulations like RoHS, REACH, WEEE, and other relevant certifications.
- Adjacent education and/or experience like Lean Six Sigma or Design-to-cost is beneficial.
- Fluent English. German and other language skills are beneficial.