Founding Hardware Engineer, Aviation AI & Embedded Systems
Overview
Own the physical product at a seed-stage aviation-AI startup, taking the in-cockpit device from a 3D-printed prototype to a fleet-deployed system. You will own the full PCB lifecycle, from architecture and component selection to layout and iterative builds, working directly with the CTO and lead software engineer. As one of the first ten employees, you define the hardware roadmap and make build-versus-outsource calls for manufacturing in a demanding in-cockpit environment. This role stands out for its real-world impact: your hardware is already flying in flight schools and with a U.S. military customer, and you can earn a pilot's license to build genuine domain expertise.
What You'll Do7
- 1Own the full PCB lifecycle, including architecture, component selection, layout, and iterative builds toward a fleet-ready device.
- 2Make build-versus-outsource decisions on manufacturing, weighing cost, compute, and thermal constraints for an in-cockpit environment.
- 3Lead component sourcing and procurement across the supply chain, managing vendor relationships and trade-offs.
- 4Plan and run environmental testing against heat, vibration, and RF-noise conditions in live aircraft.
- 5Develop and own embedded firmware and edge processing logic using embedded C/C++ or Python.
- 6Partner with the software team to ensure the hardware captures the data the analytics layer needs, including edge-to-cloud streaming.
- 7Drive OTA updates and device fleet management as the hardware matures.
Requirements10
- 15+ years of hands-on hardware or embedded systems engineering, with a track record of taking a complex connected device to market.
- 2Ability to design and lay out a PCB independently, including schematic design, component selection, and board bring-up.
- 3Solid electronics-design foundation across microcontrollers and wireless communication modules (cellular, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth).
- 4Strong embedded C/C++ or Python skills for edge applications, with RTOS or embedded Linux experience.
- 5Comfort with component sourcing and procurement, and the downstream trade-offs those choices create.
- 6Familiarity with edge-to-cloud architecture, device fleet management, and live data infrastructure.
- 7Hands-on experience with hardware certification and environmental/regulatory testing for demanding operating conditions.
- 8A startup or lean background where you personally owned hardware decisions end to end.
- 9Ability to walk fluently through a multi-month hardware plan and justify architectural trade-offs on the spot.
- 10Willingness to work in person in San Francisco and maintain intense startup hours.
Salary Insight
$150 - $200k per year
Location
Required Skills
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