VP of Engineering

Kforce is seeking a VP of Engineering in Phoenix, AZ, to lead the company's technology vision and product strategy. This executive role involves driving innovation across hardware, embedded software, and connectivity platforms, ensuring delivery of scalable, market-driven solutions. The VP will define and execute long-term product and technology strategy, lead engineering teams through the full product lifecycle, and foster a culture of innovation. The role requires strong expertise in embedded software, connectivity, and hardware, with a focus on connected devices and IoT.

Must Have

• Define and execute long-term product and technology strategy.
• Lead engineering teams through the full product lifecycle.
• Set strategic priorities for integrated product platforms.
• Partner with cross-functional leaders for market insights.
• Drive investment in emerging technologies.
• Build strategic technology partnerships.
• Foster a culture of innovation.
• Oversee engineering execution across hardware, software, and systems integration.
• Ensure robust design, validation, and release processes.
• Lead global engineering initiatives.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Computer Science.
• 10+ years in product development, engineering leadership, and technology management.
• Experience in connected devices, IoT, or wireless technologies.
• Former hands-on engineer (electrical, mechanical, embedded software, or systems).
• Strong expertise in embedded software and connectivity.
• Solid understanding of hardware.
• Proven track record in turning around engineering/product teams.
• Proven track record in building and scaling high-performing teams.
• Proven track record in delivering complex, market-ready products.
• Deep technical expertise in embedded systems and wireless protocols.
• Experience with interconnected wireless devices or IoT.
• System integration and product design.
• Strong understanding of compliance, quality standards, and product development lifecycle.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills with global experience.
• Strong experience with electro-mechanical products with embedded software.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Good to Have

• Master's degree in Engineering or Computer Science.

Perks & Benefits

• Competitive compensation package including base salary, annual bonus and equity
• Medical/dental/vision insurance
• HSA
• FSA
• 401(k)
• Life, disability & ADD insurance
• Paid time off (for salaried personnel)

This executive role will drive innovation across hardware, embedded software, and connectivity platforms, ensuring delivery of scalable, market-driven solutions that position the company for success in both established and emerging markets. We are working directly with the hiring authority on this exclusive search assignment. The company offers a competitive compensation package including base salary, annual bonus and equity

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and execute long-term product and technology strategy aligned with business goals and customer needs
• Lead engineering teams through the full product lifecycle-from concept to commercialization
• Set strategic priorities for integrated product platforms and guide roadmap development
• Partner with cross-functional leaders to translate market insights into differentiated solutions
• Drive investment in emerging technologies while balancing innovation with measurable business value
• Build strategic technology partnerships to accelerate time-to-market
• Foster a culture of innovation, leveraging customer insights and data-driven experimentation
• Oversee engineering execution across hardware, software, and systems integration
• Ensure robust design, validation, and release processes for quality and reliability
• Lead global engineering initiatives, including cross-regional collaboration in North America and Asia and other innovation hubs

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Computer Science; Master's preferred
• 10+ years of progressive experience in product development, engineering leadership, and technology management within connected devices, IoT, or other wireless technologies
• Former hands-on engineer (electrical, mechanical, embedded software, or systems) who transitioned into executive leadership
• Strong expertise in embedded software and connectivity-critical for success in this role
• Solid understanding of hardware, including electrical and mechanical systems
• Proven track record in: Turning around engineering/product teams; Building and scaling high-performing teams; Delivering complex, market-ready products integrating hardware, embedded software, and connectivity
• Deep technical expertise in: Embedded systems and wireless protocols (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, RF); Experience with interconnected devices what are wireless, or IoT; System integration and product design
• Strong understanding of compliance, quality standards, and product development lifecycle
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills with global experience
• Strong experience with electro-mechanical products that contain embedded software within the systems
• Willingness to travel up to 30%

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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