Senior Staff Lidar Systems Architect (Hardware)

TL;DR

Senior Staff Lidar Systems Architect (Hardware): Defining the next-generation architecture of high-performance lidar systems with an accent on electrical and firmware partitioning. Focus on bridging the gap between high-level performance requirements and practical hardware implementation, optimizing for scalability, and automotive reliability.

Location: Must be based in Bozeman, Montana (Hybrid: 3 days/week in office)

Salary: $178,000 - $257,000 per year

Company

hirify.global is a self-driving technology company dedicated to delivering safer, more efficient, and accessible mobility and logistics solutions.

What you will do

• Lead lidar sensor system architecture, including functional decomposition and module definition.
• Translate top-level functional requirements into detailed specifications for EE, ME, and FW teams.
• Collaborate across disciplines to balance mechanical, electrical, thermal, and optical trade-offs.
• Define architectural evolution strategies to reduce sensor cost, power, and size.
• Drive initial bring-up and debugging for electrical-to-photonic interfaces.
• Author technical documentation including architecture diagrams, theory of operation, and DFMEA.

Requirements

• PhD or MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field with 8+ years of experience (or BS with 12+ years).
• Deep understanding of active sensors such as lidar, radar, or spectral imaging.
• Proven track record in architecting complex sensing systems with EE/FW partitioning.
• Proficiency in system simulation, modeling, and high-performance FPGA/SoC architectures.
• Must be able to work in a hybrid environment (3 days/week in Bozeman, MT).

Nice to have

• Experience with Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICS) and sensor ASICs/ROICs.
• Experience taking high-performance sensors from R&D through mass manufacturing.
• Familiarity with ISO 26262, ASIL requirements, and AEC-Q100/200 qualification.

Culture & Benefits

• Collaborative environment focused on safety and integrity.
• Competitive compensation package including annual bonus and equity.
• Comprehensive benefits program.
• Commitment to inclusion and diverse perspectives.