Senior Director, Hardware
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 25, 2026. First seen by Alion on Aug 26, 2026. SonicWall scores B on the Alion truth index.
For more than 30 years, SonicWall has delivered a partner-first unified cybersecurity portfolio that helps SMBs, MSPs, and IT teams consolidate network security, endpoint security, security service edge (SSE), and threat response across hybrid environments. By bringing connected technology, real-time threat intelligence, automation, and expert services together, SonicWall helps organizations simplify security operations, achieve better security outcomes, and lower total cost of ownership. Backed by a global ecosystem of more than 17,000 partners, SonicWall delivers enterprise-grade protection built for SMB and mid-market realities.
For more information, visit www.sonicwall.com or follow us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
About the Role
The Senior Director, Hardware/Architecture role requires a dynamic R&D professional to lead the research, design, & execution of multi-disciplinary development of hardware systems, including servers/firewalls, security appliances, switches, & access points. Scope includes management of cross-geo teams & driving development with JDM/ODM partners, primarily in Asia.
As a member of the hardware & operations leadership team, you will work closely with Software, Product, Finance, & Operations to align hardware strategy with business priorities. This role requires a leader who can operate at both a strategic and operational level, with a clear focus on execution, accountability, and results.
What You’ll Do
- Design and Development leadership of global HW engineering team
- Hands-on engagement with Software & Product leads for hardware architecture definition, including silicon selection & system power/thermal/mech decisions in line with target COGs
- Drive multi-disciplinary functions with a broad view of hardware development across all facets - board & system design, Power, SI, ECAD, Mech/Thermal, Validation, Compliance
- Experience evaluating trade-offs in design for manufacturing, reliability, quality
- Working knowledge in high-speed network interfaces (25Gbps+), PCIe gen3+, DDR4+, CPU (x86 or ARM) subsystems, WiFi, Cellular technologies
- Provide visibility to executive leadership on performance, risks, and priorities
- Advocate and drive career planning, compensation, and employee development across hardware org. Drive hiring and resourcing plans (headcount & budget)
Qualifications
- BS degree in EE or CE, with 15+ years of technical experience
- Minimum 10+ years of technical & people leadership experience
- Relevant experience in design of hardware products, with expertise in architecture, design tools & ecosystems such as PCB design, power management, logic design
- Experience supporting new product introductions and influencing cross-functional decisions
- Experience driving hardware development in both internal & JDM/ODM models
- Ability to operate effectively at the executive level, internally and externally with JDM & supply chain execs
- Experience building and leading high-performing teams
- Strong strategic communication, with solid operations & financial acumen
Preferred
- Experience with servers, network security, firewall, and/or edge networking products
- Deep understanding of platform software requirements & ability to drive architectural decisions for well-integrated systems/solutions
- Ability to drive decisions across hardware functions including Mech/Thermal, SI, ECAD, Diagnostics, Validation, Compliance
- Familiarity with global JDM/ODM ecosystems, especially in Asia
- Trusted partnership with Software, Marketing & Supply Chain leadership for successful GTM & product lifecycle for high volume product families
Why This Role
This is a critical leadership role with direct impact on hardware product strategy & roadmap definition, revenue, cost structure, and customer delivery. You will shape how the company develops and delivers products at scale while partnering closely with executive leadership to drive business outcomes.
SonicWall is an equal opportunity employer.
We are committed to creating a diverse environment and are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, marital status, veteran status, pregnancy, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law.
At SonicWall, we pride ourselves on recruiting a diverse mix of talented people and providing active security solutions in 100+ countries.