Hardware Lead · Device Architect
The board and device architecture for our AI hardware for kids: from schematic to the first production batch.
Position summary
You design the board and the device architecture so that components from different suppliers behave as one system. Architecture decisions and hardware sign-off are yours; layout can go to a contractor, but under your control.
The scope runs from engineering decisions and schematic design through bring-up and factory iterations to readiness for the first batch. The production gate is explicit: no architecture rework after DVT, and every known issue accepted in writing before production release. You are accountable for what goes into the serial build.
Key responsibilities
- Device architecture and the interaction logic between components from multiple suppliers.
- Schematics and PCB layout, or tight control of a layout contractor. Bring-up and debugging on prototypes.
- Board iterations with the factory: DFM reviews, revisions, production documentation.
- Hardware readiness for the first batch: tests, acceptance criteria, quality control at production start.
- Architecture documentation, so the team and the factory work from one source of truth.
Required qualifications
Read this block before applying. If most of these are a no, we won't be able to take you on this role, and we'll both lose the time.
- 7+ years in electronic device development, with at least two completed projects where you were the architect or lead from schematic through first production batch.
- End-to-end device architecture: block diagram, schematic, MCU/SoC selection, power, mixed-signal, interfaces. You can build a BOM across multiple suppliers with approved alternates.
- Hands-on Altium Designer, or Allegro and Cadence at a comparable level, with production-ready output: Gerbers, BOM, pick-and-place, assembly drawings.
- Real NPI experience with a contract manufacturer: closed board iterations, DFM review, revisions, first-batch control. Not "sent the files and waited".
- EVT/DVT or equivalent: prototype to validated board to production readiness, without architecture rework at the end.
- EMC and ESD designed in at architecture level: routing, filtering and testability planned before the serial build, not patched on the final board.
- Portfolio with artifacts: photos of assembled boards, sample schematics and layouts, and a first-batch case study with your role and the timeline.
Nice to have
- Consumer devices, wearables or smart devices.
- Working the hardware and firmware boundary together with the embedded team.
- Factory ramp experience with manufacturers in Asia.
- Certification prep before serial launch: FCC, CE or equivalent.
Success metrics
This is what the work in this role is measured against, and what we'll walk through at the final interview.
- Approved architecture and BOM: a tested component and interface list across multiple suppliers.
- Schematics and a tested, approved board, ready for the industrial batch.
- Board iterations closed with the contract manufacturer: DFM review plus revisions.
- Documented test results: electrical, thermal, functional, integration.
- A signed-off production documentation package.
- Final hardware acceptance for the first production batch.
Employment terms
- Format
- Full-time, remote. Sync windows by agreement, CET as the anchor.
- Compensation
- $6,000–10,000/mo: base plus bonuses for shipped releases
- Venture studio
- The option to launch your own startup inside the studio: infrastructure, team, funding, network
- Network
- Direct work with Silicon Valley funds and the studio founders
What we offer
- A fixed base set by role and stream, plus bonuses for shipped releases and metrics hit.
- Revenue share on the product or stream and options in the pool. You earn like a co-owner.
- A fast track earned by results: more products, more budget, more equity.
- Remote-first, flexible hours, core overlap 15:00–19:00 CET. Work from anywhere.
- Direct access to the founders and an AI-native stack with a budget. No five layers of approvals.
How the process works
We hire slowly and deliberately. Every step is about keeping it honest and aligned for both sides.
Screening
We read every application ourselves, no ATS black box. Then a short call with the hiring team to align on experience, expectations and motivation.
Deep interview
A long conversation with the stream lead about your track record, real cases and how you decide under uncertainty.
Culture fit
One-on-ones with the core team and a founder. We look at values, ethics and how you behave when things get hard.
References
We talk to people you've actually worked with. Hygiene for us, not a formality, and we always do it.
Pilot contract
Two to four weeks on a real product with a clear Definition of Done and concrete artifacts. We don't give take-home tasks.
A 30/60/90 plan and the long game
We match results both ways, set a plan for the first three months and go long. Or part ways honestly.