Who We Are
Founded in 2020, Ascent is a venture-backed startup building the unifying dashboard for high-intensity, small unit tactics. Our platform informs incident command where their operators are, how they’re doing, & maps the space. This is done through localization of the operator at the scene, reporting biometric data, pre-planning the interior floor design and relaying all this in real time to incident command. During high risk operations, we ensure that incident command has the necessary information to make for more informed decisions & tasks can be accomplished as efficiently and safely as possible.
Ascent offers the opportunity to make a difference in the world by developing technology that helps keep our heroes safe with embedded technology that allows location and health transparency. At Ascent, you’ll work with engineers from all different backgrounds to collaborate on our tech. Turn your passion into practical solutions that will improve the lives of first responders and warfighters.
None of this would be possible without our customers. Since our founding, we have conducted over 1,700 customer discovery interviews with fire departments across the United States. We currently have 22 members on our Fire Chief Advisory Board to help guild us in our mission.
Role Overview
The Director of Engineering will oversee software and hardware engineering operations and ensure that proper engineering procedures are followed. This position will manage our infrastructure and ensure all internal systems operate securely and effectively. You will help ensure that our engineering goals align with the company's values, mission, and goals.
To be successful in this role, you should be confident in managing our teams while also setting goals, budgets, and timelines for various projects. You will report to the company’s CTO and often involve yourself with administrative, financial, and human resource tasks to help promote the success of the department.
Responsibilities
Plan and coordinate the work of engineering staff and ensure they meet company goals and objectives in conjunction with project timeline
Execute production from concept to testing to launch
Act as the liaison between executives and engineering team to determine tactical deliverables for larger company goals
Identify and integrate Contract Manufacturers to aid in the development of the product and evaluate potential supply chain needs
Partner with People Operations to recruit additional engineering staff as needed
Conduct performance evaluations that are timely and constructive
Provide training and mentoring as needed
Review project reports to ensure projects are on schedule and within budget
Basic Qualifications
Minimum 5 years of engineering experience with at least 2 years of experience leading an engineering team at ap
Experience scaling a hardware enabled SaaS product from prototype to DFM and DFA production
Currently or previously worked as a Director of Engineering or in a similar senior-level position in an engineering department
Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in areas of technology planning, project planning, and design reviews with a history of success in getting products to market on-time, on-budget, while meeting cost, performance and quality targets
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or similar discipline
Respect and understanding of functional disciplines; including Industrial Design, User Experience, Electronics, Firmware, Mechanical, System, Software and Quality
Desired Qualifications
Master’s degree in Engineering or similar discipline
Good understanding of agile methodologies
Leadership abilities with a tactical mindset
Excellent project management skills
About Us
Our team is currently 25 members strong. We currently have two offices, one in UIUC’s Research Park and the other in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market. Our Chicago office is located in an old Chicago Fire Dispatch Center, and includes free street parking, access to a gym on site, and a coffee shop. This office is conveniently located near public transportation which includes access to the green, pink, and blue lines as well as various bus stops. You will also receive the following benefits:
Full Medical, Vision, Dental coverage with additional premium options
Unlimited PTO. We enforce a two week minimum each year.
Continued Education Assistance
401k match up to 4%
Company events, social outings, and a stocked office kitchen
Ascent Integrated Tech provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
