About the JobThe Lead Engineer, Embedded Systems & Hardware will be responsible for end-to-end embedded system architecture and firmware development for a next-generation, real-time audio-capable consumer hardware product. This role includes ownership of low-power microcontroller firmware, audio integration, wireless connectivity, OTA infrastructure, and hardware bring-up. The engineer will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams across software, product, AI/ML, and third-party manufacturing partners.
The ideal candidate brings a track record of shipping resource-constrained, connected, battery-powered devices and is confident working across both firmware and hardware domains.
Responsibilities- Own firmware architecture and implementation across two hardware platforms
- Integrate and optimize real-time audio processing pipelines and wake mechanisms
- Implement secure OTA update flows with rollback support and telemetry
- Lead hardware bring-up, debugging, and factory test firmware development
- Review schematics, manage power budgets, and advise on component placement and thermal constraints
- Support pre-certification efforts and collaborate with compliance consultants and EMS/ODM vendors
- Contribute to roadmap planning and architectural trade-offs across product development phases
Qualifications- 5+ years of experience in embedded systems and firmware development
- Hands-on experience with microcontroller platforms (e.g., ESP32, STM32) and/or Linux-class boards (e.g., Raspberry Pi Zero, NXP i.MX)
- Proficiency in C/C++ and real-time programming (RTOS or FreeRTOS)
- Experience with audio input/output integration (IS, PDM, or similar) and DSP optimization
- Demonstrated experience building OTA systems with rollback, secure boot, and encryption
- Familiarity with wireless communication protocols such as BLE and Wi-Fi
- Prior involvement in power budget planning and battery management for mobile devices
- Competence in schematic/BOM review and debugging tools (oscilloscope, logic analyzer, etc.)
Preferred Qualifications- Experience designing firmware for audio-interactive or voice-triggered devices
- Familiarity with audio preprocessing libraries (e.g., WebRTC, SpeexDSP, AEC/NS/AGC)
- Exposure to MQTT or other device-cloud messaging protocols
- Understanding of manufacturing testing workflows, including test rig design and firmware flashing
- Participation in regulatory testing or certification processes (FCC, CE, UN38.3)
Other Qualifications- Strong documentation, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills
- Comfort operating in fast-paced, early-stage hardware-software environments
- Ability to manage external vendors for manufacturing, PCB, or mechanical design
- Interest in privacy-preserving, edge-first product design principles
- Graduated from IITs/NITs/Tier 1 Colleges
