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VP of Engineering
Consumer Hardware & Food Technology · Broomfield, CO (Hybrid) · Full-Time
Search managed by Relvii · Confidential Search
Quick Facts Location: Broomfield, CO — Hybrid Type: Full-Time · Reports to CEO · Compensation: Competitive Base + Equity (4-yr vest) + Full Benefits Travel: International and domestic travel required Company Stage: Seed-funded startup — consumer product launching now Team Size: Small, high-ownership team — builder culture
About the Opportunity
A seed-funded food technology company in the Denver metro area is commercializing a portfolio of consumer and commercial products designed to meaningfully extend fresh food shelf life through modified atmosphere and vacuum technology. Their product line spans consumer devices, commercial equipment, and disposable packaging systems — physical products that are shipping to real customers today.
The company is at a critical inflection point: a consumer product launch is underway, B2B customers are contracted, and major brand partnership conversations are in motion. This is the moment to join.
The Role
We are recruiting a VP of Engineering to take full ownership of product development and the engineering team. This is a hands-on, roll-up-your-sleeves position — not a purely strategic one. You will inherit a Mechanical Engineer and be expected to personally contribute while building the processes and team the company needs to scale.
The right person runs toward problems, is compulsive about verification, takes personal ownership of every product shipping out the door, and is energized by the intensity and momentum of a startup environment.
What You'll Own
Product Development
- Full accountability for product development across all lines
- Engineering processes: design reviews, gate criteria, DFMEA, change management
- Design for manufacturability from day one
- Hands-on prototyping and verification alongside the team
Leadership
- Direct team management, coaching, and culture building as the company grows
- Technical voice in investor meetings and board presentations
- Recruiting and onboarding as the company scales
Operations
- Vendor and supplier management with international partners in collaboration with COO
- Acceptance testing and quality systems
- Product roadmap collaboration with CEO
- IP protection coordination
What We're Looking For
Required
- 12+ years in electromechanical consumer or commercial product development
- 5+ years in engineering leadership roles
- Personally shipped physical products — concept to mass production — or managed mass production of electromechanical or sealing products
- Deep expertise in plastics, silicones, metals, and seal systems
- International manufacturing supply chain management, including Asia
- Strong design and prototyping skills — you can still do the work, not just direct it
Nice to Have
- Food contact products or packaging experience
- Appliance or kitchen equipment design background
- Prior startup experience — you know what it means to build with limited resources
- Fundraising support experience as a technical leader
Who You Are
You are a compulsive verifier — someone who needs to know something works, not just believe it does. You are a multi-threaded thinker who can hold engineering details and company strategy at the same time. You lead with solutions, not blockers. You are schedule-driven and personally accountable. Above all, you are a builder.
A degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field is valued — but we care far more about real-world experience and a genuine desire to make a career-defining move. If you've shipped products, built teams, and want to help build something that matters, we want to talk.
Why This Role
- Your fingerprints will be on every product that ships — this is not a coordination role
- You'll join at the moment of highest impact: launch underway, brand partnerships in motion
- Direct access to the CEO and a seat at the table for every strategic decision
- Competitive base compensation with meaningful equity at a company with real traction
- A small, focused team that values craft, ownership, and urgency
How to Apply
This is a confidential search managed by Relvii. To be considered email your resume directly to [email protected].
The company name and full brief will be shared with qualified candidates who express genuine interest. All inquiries are treated with complete confidentiality.
Managed by Lindsay Blank · Relvii
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