Application Engineer, Hardware/Firmware (OEM Integrations)

TL;DR

Application Engineer, Hardware/Firmware (OEM Integrations) (embedded firmware/FPGA): Building and validating OEM integration layers between Karman and customer hardware environments with an accent on hardware integration surfaces, embedded firmware adaptation, and end-to-end bring-up to production. Focus on designing PCB/interface integration points, driving POCs through validation and deployment, and producing structured engineering artifacts while coordinating across hardware, firmware, product, and customer stakeholders.

Company

hirify.global builds an AI platform for power orchestration in AI data centers, enabling customers to unlock more compute capacity from existing energy infrastructure.

What you will do

• Partner pre-contract to assess customer hardware environments and deliver proof-of-concept integration layers demonstrating Karman’s value.
• Design and implement the hardware integration layer between Karman and customer infrastructure, reviewing designs to identify integration points and gaps.
• Write, modify, and debug embedded firmware to adapt Karman to each customer’s platform.
• Own end-to-end technical execution for customer hardware integrations from kick-off through design, validation, release, and deployment.
• Lead customer-facing technical calls and on-site requirements reviews; maintain integration artifacts (checklists, guides, timelines, KPI trackers, after-action reports).
• Develop repeatable processes and templates to scale the Application Engineering function, using an AI-first approach to automate integration and deployment artifacts.

Requirements

• Location/Travel: Based in or around the Bay Area, CA or at the company headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan; regular travel to OEM partner sites and the Ann Arbor HQ is required.
• 6+ years of hands-on hardware and embedded firmware engineering, independently designing, implementing, and validating hardware solutions from concept through production.
• Experience designing hardware integration points (PCB-level design, interface definition, and system bring-up) with end-to-end ownership.
• FPGA development experience across both hardware design/RTL and firmware.
• Strong embedded firmware skills (writing, modifying, and debugging independently) and working knowledge of embedded/data center interfaces and protocols (I2C, UART, PCIe, Ethernet).
• Ability to read and critically review schematics, PCB layouts, and test results; produce structured engineering artifacts (design review checklists, test plans, validation procedures, deployment documentation).

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible work environment with flexible paid time off.
• Competitive compensation and benefits: health, dental, vision, and employer-match 401(k).
• Mentorship and growth opportunities within a collaborative team.
• Equal employment opportunity and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Hiring process

• Technical evaluation focused on hardware/firmware integration experience and end-to-end ownership.
• Interviews with engineering stakeholders and customer-facing technical discussions.

Salary: $175,000–$235,000 base compensation depending on experience and level, plus stock options.

Location: Ann Arbor, MI (also Bay Area, CA preferred); regular travel to OEM partner sites and Ann Arbor HQ required.