Staff Engineer, Early Engagement

Secon Order Effects

El Segundo, California

Full Time

Posted March 3, 2026

$176k - $209k

Not Specified

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Job Description

A senior technical leadership role focused on leading complex system development efforts, translating business needs into system architectures, and guiding early client engagements across various industries while mentoring engineers and ensuring technical success.

Key Responsibilities

Lead technical engagement with clients from discovery to contract close
Translate business needs into system concepts and architectures
Design and define robust system architectures that deliver mutual value
Coordinate and align engineering disciplines during early project phases
Mentor engineering staff and establish processes to enhance organizational capabilities
Ensure technical success of early client engagements and make data-driven decisions

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, or Mathematics is required; a graduate degree in a relevant engineering discipline is highly preferred.
15 years of engineering experience in client-facing roles, system architecture, or senior technical leadership, with a track record of delivering complex systems involving custom electronics.
Demonstrated ability to analyze and deconstruct novel and complex problems within a core domain, evaluate and make critical judgments about different technical solutions and approaches.
Deep experience applying systems engineering principles in ambiguous, early-stage environments, including requirements development, trade studies, and architecture definition.
Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to diverse audiences, including senior client stakeholders.
Experience acting as a trusted technical advisor externally and a mentor and leader internally.
Willingness to work 40 hours a week on-site in El Segundo, California, USA.
Eligibility to work on export controlled projects, including being a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
Ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy, guiding ambiguous problem spaces toward clear technical direction.
Ability to lead cross-functional collaboration during early engagement, ensuring clear alignment and effective handoff from architecture to detailed development.
Accountability for the technical success of early engagements and making data-driven decisions that balance near-term execution with long-term strategy.

Benefits & Perks

Compensation range of 176,090-209,110

Equity incentive plan

Flexible work hours and work from home policy

100% employer-paid health insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision for employees with 50 dependent coverage)

Unlimited paid time off policy

11 paid company holidays

12 paid sick days

401(k) retirement account with employer matching

Safe Harbor 4

Generous paid parental leave

Relocation assistance available if 50 miles away from the office

Electric Vehicle (EV) charging ports

Catered lunches, snacks, and accessible kitchen

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