Hardware Engineer (AI)

Location: San Francisco, CA, USA; on-site. Relocation assistance is available for those joining in San Francisco.

Salary: USD 180,000–260,000 per year plus equity.

Company

hirify.global is building an AI-human translation layer and multimodal foundation models from data collected through biosensors, video, and audio.

What you will do

• Maintain and improve a fleet of multimodal data-collection rigs using biosensors, cameras, and audio equipment.
• Own time synchronization across devices and data streams, and diagnose hardware failures.
• Build documented rigs, test fixtures, and automated validation systems for research teams.
• Design and test custom mixed-signal boards and sensor integrations from schematics and PCB layout through assembly.
• Write and debug C/C++ microcontroller firmware and Python tooling, and troubleshoot Linux drivers, USB, serial, and kernel behavior.
• Collaborate with software engineers, data collection specialists, neuroscientists, and researchers; manage hardware vendors and contractors when needed.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience designing and bringing up electronic hardware, with significant hands-on experience in both board design and embedded firmware.
• Experience building physical instruments, devices, or research rigs that worked in real use.
• Ability to work independently, make sound technical decisions, and explain trade-offs to non-hardware teammates.
• Hands-on experience with biosignals such as EEG, ECG, or EMG, including electrode contact, noise sources, grounding, and shielding.
• Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout in Altium or KiCad, including mixed-signal boards.
• Strong C/C++ skills for microcontroller firmware, preferably on ARM Cortex-M with an RTOS such as Zephyr or FreeRTOS.
• Ability to debug Linux device drivers, USB and serial issues, and kernel behavior below the application layer.
• Python experience for test scripts, device control, and data analysis.
• Experience synchronizing data across multiple devices using hardware triggers, shared clocks, or timestamping.
• Hands-on bench experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and JTAG/SWD debuggers; adaptability, creative problem-solving, collaborative work, and interest in improving human well-being.

Nice to have

• Linux kernel module or device driver development.
• FPGA or HDL experience, including Verilog or VHDL.
• Research-grade sensing equipment experience, such as eye trackers or EEG systems, and synchronization tools such as Lab Streaming Layer.
• Experience with fNIRS, EDA, PPG, medical electrical isolation and safety, or IEC 60601.
• Experience designing wearable, battery-powered, or Bluetooth Low Energy devices.
• Basic mechanical CAD and 3D printing.
• Interest in neurotechnology, mental health, or human-AI interaction.

Culture & Benefits

• On-site work in a renovated office in San Francisco's Mission District.
• Fully covered health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Relocation assistance for joining in San Francisco and a workspace setup stipend.
• Paid parental leave of at least 12 weeks, paid time off, team dinners, outings, off-sites, and retreats.
• Conference travel sponsorship and professional development support.
• Fully stocked kitchen and equity.