Vice President Of Engineering

The Lumber Manufactory (TLM) is building the future of sustainable timber - from next-generation sawmill technology to digital marketplaces that connect the entire supply chain. We're designing state-of-the-art, modular sawmills while creating tools that help landowners maximize value, service providers find opportunities, and mills secure consistent supplies. Backed by leading investors, including Cantos, Slow Ventures, Susa Ventures, Banter, Humba Ventures, and Ravelin Capital.

The Lumber Manufactory (TLM) is seeking a Vice President of Engineering to lead all technical functions at TLM, spanning both physical systems (systems engineering, design engineering, mechanical/electrical integration) and digital systems (software engineering, controls, automation). This leader will develop TLM’s long-term technology roadmap, drive technical excellence, and ensure the successful delivery of projects from concept through implementation, validation, and continuous improvement.

The VP of Engineering should be a systems builder with experience turning complex technology into repeatable, automated deployments — especially in rural or remote environments where infrastructure is sparse, support is limited, and designs must be rugged, reliable, and self-sufficient.

As the senior-most engineering leader, the VP will set the technical culture, attract and develop top talent, and work cross-functionally to ensure TLM’s engineering capability is a competitive advantage.

Areas of Expertise:

Deployment Experience

• Led end-to-end deployment of hardware-software intensive systems in the field, such as:

  • Automated warehouses or logistics facilities (e.g., Amazon fulfillment centers, Ocado).

  • Distributed infrastructure projects like SpaceX Starlink ground stations or rural energy/microgrid systems.

  • Robotics-driven manufacturing or highly automated production lines.

  • Comfortable engineering for ruggedness, reliability, and autonomy in rural or resource-limited settings.

  • Skilled at modular, repeatable design that minimizes custom work at each new site.

Simplification & Automation

• Proven ability to streamline deployment processes — reducing the number of steps, people, and dependencies required.

• Expertise in automation and controls to minimize ongoing human intervention.

• Focus on creating “push-button deployable” systems: once designed, can be replicated and stood up quickly in new environments.

Leadership Across Disciplines

• Experience managing multidisciplinary teams spanning mechanical/electrical systems, controls/automation, and software engineering.

• Skilled at aligning design engineering with practical field deployment realities.

• Can bridge the gap between engineering precision and operational simplicity.

Rural & Remote Deployment DNA

• Experience working in rural, remote, or underdeveloped geographies where supply chains, utilities, and support infrastructure are limited.

• Knows how to design for autonomy and resilience — systems that can “run themselves” with minimal local intervention.

• Understands the logistics of shipping, staging, installing, and commissioning equipment outside of urban/industrial hubs.

Mindset & Traits

• Builder-operator mindset that thrives on seeing technology work in the real world.

• Bias toward practicality, simplicity, and robustness over over-engineering.

• Relentless focus on repeatability, cost reduction, and continuous improvement.

• Comfortable leading in ambiguous, resource-constrained environments.

Key Responsibilities:

Technology Leadership

• Define and maintain TLM’s multi-year technology roadmap.

• Oversee integration of physical and digital systems into cohesive, high-performance solutions.

• Drive architectural decisions, ensuring scalability, reliability, and efficiency.

Execution & Delivery

• Lead engineering from R&D through prototyping, deployment, and continuous improvement.

• Implement rigorous testing, validation, and quality standards.

• Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to spec.

Team & Culture

• Build and lead a world-class multidisciplinary engineering team across physical and digital domains.

• Develop processes, standards, and metrics for technical excellence.

• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Partner with Operations to deploy highly automated, hardware-intensive systems in diverse geographies.

• Work closely with Sales, Finance, and Production teams to align technical strategy with business priorities.

• Represent TLM’s technology with customers, partners, and investors as needed.

Qualifications:

• 10-15 years of experience in progressive engineering leadership

• Experience in manufacturing, warehousing, and logistics

• Remote hardware and software activation and expansion

• Degree in Engineering required, Manufacturing preferred

The starting base salary for this position is $220,000 annually

We offer competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits:

• 100% employer-paid health coverage for employees and dependents (medical, dental, vision)

• Life insurance and disability coverage (100% employer-paid)

• Flexible time off with unlimited PTO plus 9 company holidays

• Opportunity to shape the future of an essential industry

Join our team as we modernize timber from forest to finished product.

The Lumber Manufactory is an equal opportunity employer committed to building an inclusive team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.