Head of Hardware

Overview

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 & is one of the members of the leadership team of the Technology Business Unit.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.
• Solid Works Professional desirable, not essential.

• 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 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.

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.