At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the hardware function for innovative marine and robotic systems.
- Company: Ocean Infinity, a pioneering tech company focused on ocean and defence technology.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £100,000, inclusive culture, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in transforming operations at sea with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Degree in engineering and significant experience in hardware or product engineering.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.
Ocean Infinity is seeking a Head of Hardware to lead the hardware function across product definition, concept, design, integration, test, release and lifecycle support. This function will own the delivery of complex marine, robotic and subsea hardware systems that underpin Ocean Infinity's product-led ocean and defence technology platform, including innovative deployable systems, autonomy-enabling hardware and novel subsea products. The Head of Hardware is accountable for the strategy, leadership and performance of Ocean Infinity's hardware capability.
The role sets direction across hardware architecture, engineering delivery, supplier ecosystem, verification and technical assurance to ensure safe, reliable and scalable products. It is a key leadership position within a product-led technology business operating in demanding ocean and defence environments. The Head of Hardware reports into the President of Technology, Digital & Software and is one of the members of the leadership team of the Technology Business Unit.
Responsibilities
- Define and lead the hardware strategy, roadmap and capability plan in line with business and product priorities.
- Own end-to-end hardware delivery across concept, design, integration, test, qualification, deployment and support.
- Lead multidisciplinary teams covering product data, design, test engineering and safety interfaces.
- Translate product and commercial requirements into clear engineering decisions, delivery plans and investment priorities.
- Ensure hardware is designed for reliability, maintainability, manufacturability, safety and operational use in harsh marine environments.
- Provide strong technical governance, design assurance and change control across the hardware portfolio.
- Manage key suppliers, partners and manufacturing relationships, including make/buy decisions and risk mitigation.
- Work closely with robotics, software, platform and product leaders to ensure integrated system performance.
- Build a high-performing, accountable hardware organisation with strong talent, pace and engineering discipline.
- Support executive decision-making on technical risk, delivery trade-offs, lifecycle cost and strategic investment.
Leadership and Technical Capability
- Operates credibly at senior leadership level and contributes to business strategy.
- Makes balanced decisions across technical, operational and commercial priorities.
- Comfortable leading in a fast-moving, innovation-led environment with complex delivery dependencies.
- Builds trust across technical teams, product leadership, operations and external partners.
- Leads with clarity, pace, accountability and high standards.
- Strong understanding of hardware engineering, systems integration and technical assurance.
- Credible across electromechanical, robotic, marine or subsea systems.
- Able to challenge senior engineers constructively and convert technical complexity into decisions.
- Understands reliability, interface management, test strategy and product readiness.
- Not expected to be the most hands-on engineer but must be technically authoritative.
Who you are
- Degree or equivalent experience in engineering, technology or a related discipline.
- Significant experience leading hardware or product engineering teams in robotics, marine, defence, aerospace, automation or another complex hardware environment.
- Proven delivery of integrated hardware systems from concept through deployment.
- Experience with supplier management, programme governance and engineering risk management.
- IOSH or NEBOSH desirable.
- SolidWorks Professional desirable, not essential.
What we expect
- Strategic horizon scanning and customer sense-making to support Ocean Infinity's overall strategy and drive value, quality, profitability and sustainable growth.
- Leadership impact across the organisation and team; provide clarity and support to disrupt, improve and evolve when necessary.
- Leading with integrity and managing risk; act as a role model with high standards of integrity and appropriate risk-taking.
- Collaboration with peers and across the organisation to drive a culture of trust, diversity, collaboration, and high performance.
- Delivering transformation and outcomes; champion change and deliver on promised outcomes with focused steps on what matters.
- Effective decision-making using data insights to translate strategy into actionable roadmaps and timely delivery.
Salary and what you can expect
Salary for this position: Up to £100,000 per annum. The salary varies for this position as we are recruiting in multiple regional locations and job grades. The salary process is based on skills, abilities, and experience required.
About Us
Ocean Infinity is on a mission to transform operations at sea to enable people and the planet to thrive. We are committed to equality, safety and education, and to building a diverse, inclusive environment where innovation thrives.
Head of Hardware in Southampton employer: Job Search Place Limited
Ocean Infinity is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront. As the Head of Hardware, you will lead a talented team in delivering cutting-edge marine and robotic systems, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Located in a vibrant industry sector, we prioritise employee well-being, diversity, and a culture of trust, ensuring that every team member can contribute to our mission of transforming operations at sea.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Hardware in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their hardware strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements and how they relate to the role of Head of Hardware. Confidence is key, so rehearse until you can deliver it smoothly and naturally.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Hardware in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in hardware engineering and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Ocean Infinity, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Hardware, you'll be leading teams and making strategic decisions. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any successful projects you've led in the past. We love seeing examples of how you've built high-performing teams!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant to the role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This helps us streamline the process and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Job Search Place Limited
✨Know Your Hardware Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of hardware engineering principles, especially in marine and robotic systems. Brush up on your knowledge of electromechanical systems and be ready to discuss how you've successfully delivered integrated hardware solutions in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Hardware, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead multidisciplinary teams. Prepare examples of how you've built high-performing teams and managed supplier relationships, ensuring everyone is aligned towards common goals.
✨Be Ready for Technical Governance Questions
Expect questions about design assurance and risk management. Think of specific instances where you've implemented strong technical governance and how it contributed to the success of a project. This will show your capability in managing complex delivery dependencies.
✨Align with Ocean Infinity's Mission
Familiarise yourself with Ocean Infinity's mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your strategic vision aligns with their goals of transforming operations at sea and driving sustainable growth. This will demonstrate your commitment to their objectives and culture.
