Hardware Lead (AI Device Architect)

Hardware Lead - Device Architect

Company overview

Unimatch Lab is an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven venture studio from Silicon Valley.

We are building our own AI technology stack and a portfolio of AI-driven assets: from consumer AI products and smart devices to on-prem Large Language Model (LLM) clusters and foundational layers (memory layer, Random Access Memory / Video Random Access Memory (RAM/VRAM) optimization, orchestration, AI software for infrastructure and compute).

This includes Research and Development (R&D) in local, distributed, and orbital data centers and distributed computing.

Goal: join the world's top 50 AI companies with a combined asset valuation of $10B+ by 2032.

We are an Objectives and Key Results (OKR)-driven company: measurable outcomes, speed, transparency, and ownership.

We hire A-players: autonomous, fast, strong execution, high accountability.

Learn more: Unimatch Lab Career

Position summary

You design the board and overall device architecture for children's Artificial Intelligence (AI) hardware (Neybo) so components from different suppliers work as one system. You own architecture decisions and hardware sign-off; layout may be done with a contractor under your control.

Your scope runs from engineering decisions and schematic design through bring-up, factory iterations, and readiness for the first production batch. The production gate: no architecture rework after Design Validation Test (DVT); known issues accepted before production release.

You own the hardware end-to-end and are accountable for what goes into production.

• Design device architecture and the interaction logic between components from multiple suppliers.
• Develop schematics and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) layout (or tightly control a layout contractor), run bring-up and debugging on prototypes.
• Close PCB iterations with the factory: Design for Manufacturability (DFM) reviews, revisions, production documentation alignment.
• Prepare hardware for the first batch: tests, acceptance criteria, quality control at production start.
• Document full device architecture and logic so the team and the factory share one source of truth.

Required qualifications

• 7+ years in electronic device development; at least 2 completed projects where you were architect or lead from schematic through first production batch.
• End-to-end device architecture: block diagram, schematic, Microcontroller Unit / System on Chip (MCU/SoC) selection, power, mixed-signal, and interfaces; ability to build a Bill of Materials (BOM) from multiple suppliers with approved alternates.
• Hands-on schematic and Printed Circuit Board (PCB) in Altium Designer (or Allegro/Cadence at a comparable level): schematic capture, layout or tight control of a layout contractor; production-ready output (Gerber files, Bill of Materials (BOM), pick-and-place, assembly drawings).
• Bench bring-up and testing: electrical, functional, and integration tests; basic thermal checks on critical nodes; results documented before handoff to manufacturing.
• Contract Manufacturer (CM) New Product Introduction (NPI) experience: closed PCB iterations with a contract manufacturer (Design for Manufacturability (DFM) review, revisions, first-batch control) - not just "sent files and waited for boards."
• Engineering Validation Test / Design Validation Test (EVT/DVT) stages (or equivalent): prototype -> validated board -> readiness for production batch without architecture rework.
• Electromagnetic Compatibility / Electrostatic Discharge (EMC/ESD) at architecture level: routing, filtering, and testability designed in before serial build, not fixed on the final board.
• Full Contract Manufacturer (CM) production documentation package: component specification, test procedures, production release.
• Portfolio with artifacts: photos/descriptions of assembled boards, sample schematics and PCB layouts, a first-batch case study - your role, timeline, and what you personally delivered.
• English B2+ (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages): datasheets, supplier and factory communication, technical specifications.

Nice to have

• Consumer devices, wearables, or smart-device experience.
• Coordination with embedded firmware on the Hardware / Firmware (HW/FW) boundary.
• Factory ramp experience with manufacturers in Asia.
• Preparation for certification before serial launch (Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Conformité Européenne (CE), or equivalent).

Success metrics

• Approved architecture + Bill of Materials (BOM): tested component and interface list from multiple suppliers.
• Schematics + tested, approved Printed Circuit Board (PCB) ready for the industrial batch.
• Closed PCB iterations with the contract manufacturer (Design for Manufacturability (DFM) + revisions).
• Electrical, thermal, functional, and integration test results documented.
• Contract Manufacturer (CM) production documentation package signed off.
• Final hardware acceptance for the first production batch.

Employment terms

Format: Full-time, remote; sync windows by agreement (CET and other zones as needed)

Compensation: Up to $10,000 total (base fix + shipment bonuses)

Venture studio: Option to launch your own startup inside the venture studio - with our infrastructure, team, funding, and network

Network: Work with top venture funds from Silicon Valley and a strong professional team

AI exposure: Portfolio of AI products in production; regular exposure to leading AI solutions shipped to production