Job Description
Job Description
Founding Hardware Engineer - Edge AIoT | Hybrid (San Francisco Bay Area)
A venture-backed pre-seed stage startup is redefining predictive maintenance for critical power infrastructure-transformers, switchgear, and generators-using AI-powered, high-frequency magnetic sensing.
We're looking for an innovative and mission-driven Founding Hardware Engineer to lead the development and integration of an edge AIoT sensing platform. This role is hands-on across firmware and hardware-from prototyping and board bring-up to system architecture and field deployment-translating real customer needs into scalable solutions.
This is a rare opportunity to shape a transformative climate tech product from the ground up and grow into a key technical leader at a fast-moving startup.
What You Will Do
-
Product Development: Lead end-to-end firmware development for an edge AIoT device for predictive monitoring of power assets
-
Spec Definition & Design: Translate customer needs into firmware architecture and component specs. Collaborate with internal teams and external experts
-
Prototyping: Build and iterate firmware prototypes with engineering teams. Manage third-party partners with clear specs and oversight
-
Testing & Validation: Lead testing and debugging. Set up CI pipelines for rapid, reliable iteration
-
Deployment, Troubleshooting & Data Analytics: Deploy prototypes with pilot users, collect data, troubleshoot issues, and feed insights back into development
-
Technical Leadership & Roadmapping: Help shape product roadmap, technical hiring, and operations strategy. Support supply chain and manufacturing alongside business leads
Key Qualifications
-
Degree in Electrical, Computer, or Mechanical Engineering (BS, MS, or PhD)
-
3+ years of experience in IoT hardware and embedded system development
-
Proven hands-on experience with hardware bring-up, debugging, and system integration
-
Experience integrating FPGAs with MCUs and low-power edge compute platforms
-
Proficient in edge communication protocols (e.g., MQTT, LoRa, Wi-Fi, cellular)
-
Familiarity with wireless compliance and cloud APIs
-
Strong understanding of power management, battery optimization, and sensor integration
-
Strong communicator and collaborator across hardware and software teams
-
Comfortable working in early-stage, fast-paced environments with ambiguity and rapid iteration
-
Willingness to travel up to 25% for customer site visits, deployments, and testing
Nice to Have
-
Python or embedded scripting for automation and testing
-
Experience with ML/AI on edge devices
-
Knowledge of digital signal processing on FPGA/ASIC
-
Familiarity with cloud IoT platforms (AWS IoT, Google Cloud IoT, Azure)
-
Previous experience at an early-stage startup
General Information
-
Location: Hybrid - San Francisco Bay Area
-
Salary: $100,000-$150,000/year
-
Equity: Negotiable
-
Title: Negotiable
-
Travel: Up to 25%
-
Benefits: Health insurance (negotiable)
Company DescriptionW3Global was established in 2006 in Fremont, CA with a vision: simplify the recruiting process and develop an industry-disrupting platform to connect candidates with clients. Our cutting-edge Applicant Tracking System enables us to find the right person for the right job, creating value for job seekers and employers. While W3Global initially focused on IT staffing, we have expanded the business to serve many other industries, including accounting and finance, legal, engineering, human resources, government and more.
We’re proud of the investments we’ve made in our team, having grown from four to 1000 employees and evolving into one of the leading recruitment and staffing solution providers in the industry. Our recruiters and account managers are passionate about connecting qualified professionals with the right positions in small, medium, and large companies.
Our Services
W3Global understands the natural ups and downs of an organization’s staffing needs. We are continuously adapting to industry and economic changes to find the right candidates.
We specialize in placing permanent, direct, contract, and temporary positions for companies of any size. Our recruiting services include sourcing, recruiting, screening, interview management, salary negotiations, training, and onboarding.
We are committed to helping organizations redefine their recruitment process by delivering our SaaS-based proprietary application tracking system software.
Our Expertise
W3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs.
As a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.
Company Description
W3Global was established in 2006 in Fremont, CA with a vision: simplify the recruiting process and develop an industry-disrupting platform to connect candidates with clients. Our cutting-edge Applicant Tracking System enables us to find the right person for the right job, creating value for job seekers and employers. While W3Global initially focused on IT staffing, we have expanded the business to serve many other industries, including accounting and finance, legal, engineering, human resources, government and more.\r\n\r\nWe’re proud of the investments we’ve made in our team, having grown from four to 1000 employees and evolving into one of the leading recruitment and staffing solution providers in the industry. Our recruiters and account managers are passionate about connecting qualified professionals with the right positions in small, medium, and large companies.\r\n\r\nOur Services\r\nW3Global understands the natural ups and downs of an organization’s staffing needs. We are continuously adapting to industry and economic changes to find the right candidates.\r\n\r\nWe specialize in placing permanent, direct, contract, and temporary positions for companies of any size. Our recruiting services include sourcing, recruiting, screening, interview management, salary negotiations, training, and onboarding.\r\n\r\nWe are committed to helping organizations redefine their recruitment process by delivering our SaaS-based proprietary application tracking system software.\r\n\r\nOur Expertise\r\nW3Global has been delivering staffing solutions for nearly two decades; we know which recruiting strategies work best. Our expert team is committed to developing a customized solution to fit your company’s unique needs.\r\n\r\nAs a W3Global client, you’ll also receive personalized assistance from a seasoned team of staffing specialists. We are committed to providing both technical support and industry expertise to simplify the hiring process. We know that your time matters. W3Global will help you streamline the hiring process, getting it done and getting it right.