Lead Electrical Engineer

Lead Electrical Engineer - Advanced Hardware Systems

Austin, Texas | On-site

Opportunity Summary

A venture-backed deep technology company is developing advanced photonic and electronic hardware systems for next-generation computing, communications, aerospace, and national security applications. The products combine sophisticated electronics, advanced packaging, precision manufacturing, and high-performance system architectures to deliver capabilities beyond conventional hardware platforms. We are seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer to own the electrical architecture, design, validation, and production readiness of critical hardware systems. This individual will lead development of complex electronic assemblies, drive system-level engineering decisions, and help establish the infrastructure required to scale products from development into manufacturing. The role offers significant ownership across product design, validation, and long-term technical direction while working closely with firmware, mechanical, systems, and manufacturing teams.

About Us

We are an early-stage technology company building advanced hardware platforms at the intersection of photonics, electronics, and manufacturing. Our team is focused on solving challenging engineering problems that require exceptional performance, reliability, and scalability. The technologies being developed have applications across next-generation computing infrastructure, communications networks, aerospace systems, and national security programs. We operate in a hands-on, engineering-driven environment where ownership, execution, and technical excellence are highly valued. Team members have the opportunity to influence both product development and the future growth of the organization.

Job Duties

Lead the architecture, design, and validation of complex electronic systems from concept through production release
Design multilayer PCB assemblies supporting high-speed data transfer, power distribution, control systems, monitoring functions, and system diagnostics
Define electrical system architecture and make key tradeoff decisions related to performance, reliability, manufacturability, thermal constraints, and testability
Develop signal integrity and power integrity strategies for high-performance hardware platforms
Perform schematic capture, design reviews, and support PCB layout activities throughout the product lifecycle
Lead board bring-up, system integration, validation, and root-cause analysis activities
Develop evaluation platforms and test hardware used to characterize and qualify new technologies and components
Define validation plans and compliance testing strategies for critical electronic subsystems
Partner with firmware engineers to support hardware bring-up, debugging, programming, and production test infrastructure
Collaborate with manufacturing teams to implement design-for-manufacturing and design-for-test best practices
Analyze production and field performance data to improve product reliability and manufacturing yield
Establish electrical engineering standards, documentation practices, and design review processes
Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary development efforts

Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline
5+ years of experience developing complex electronic hardware products through production release
Strong experience with schematic capture, multilayer PCB design, and high-density electronic assemblies
Deep understanding of signal integrity, power integrity, high-speed interfaces, and modern electronic system design
Hands-on experience using laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, network analyzers, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, or related test equipment
Experience leading board bring-up, validation, and system-level debugging activities
Strong understanding of hardware development processes from prototype through manufacturing
Experience collaborating closely with firmware, mechanical, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams
Demonstrated ability to drive technical decisions and execute within fast-paced development environments
Willingness to support critical development and production milestones when required

Preferred Experience

Experience developing hardware for computing infrastructure, communications systems, aerospace platforms, semiconductor equipment, or other advanced technology products
Experience with high-speed interfaces such as PCIe, Ethernet, DDR, SerDes, or similar technologies
Familiarity with automated test systems, production test infrastructure, and hardware validation environments
Experience collaborating closely with embedded software and firmware development teams
Experience mentoring engineers or leading technical development efforts
Proficiency with scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for automation and analysis
Experience with signal integrity and power integrity simulation tools
Familiarity with high-density interconnect, rigid-flex, RF, or advanced PCB technologies
Experience supporting EMC/EMI testing, compliance certification, and product qualification efforts
Familiarity with configuration management, engineering change processes, and PLM systems
Experience working with photonic, optoelectronic, semiconductor, or high-performance computing hardware

Why Join Us

Opportunity to develop advanced technologies supporting next-generation computing, communications, aerospace, and national security applications
Significant ownership over product architecture and key engineering decisions
Direct influence on product performance, manufacturability, and long-term technical strategy
Exposure to challenging multidisciplinary engineering problems across hardware, firmware, and manufacturing
Equity participation and long-term growth potential within a rapidly growing startup
Collaborative, execution-focused environment where strong technical contributions have immediate impact

Compensation Details

$150,000 - $200,000

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