Embedded Hardware Engineer ( PCB)

Role Summary

Efficient is developing the world’s most energy-efficient general-purpose computer processor. Efficient’s patented technology uses 100x less energy than state of the art commercially available ultra-low-power processors and is programmable using standard high-level programming languages and AI/ML frameworks. This level of efficiency makes perpetual, pervasive intelligence possible: run AI/ML continuously on a AA battery for 5-10 years. Our platform’s unprecedented level of efficiency enables IoT devices to intelligently capture and curate first-party data to drive the next major computing revolution

Efficient’s Embedded Hardware Engineer will design and implement complete systems that feature the world’s most energy-efficient programmable processor. Your primary role will be to develop PCB designs and accompanying system software to test and showcase our revolutionary processors. Specifically, you will be tasked with creating bring-up test hardware and customer evaluation development kits (EDKs), and assist with customer hardware reviews. You will develop the requisite software to operate our bring-up test hardware and EDKs, as well as develop our customer-facing SDK. Additionally, you will be involved in pre-silicon activities such as validating our processors using RTL simulators and FPGA emulators, and developing secure boot ROMs. This position is a unique opportunity to develop cutting-edge hardware and software as part of a highly interdisciplinary team, helping to demonstrate the value of Efficient’s breakthrough technology. If you are an engineer who wants to be part of an intensely skilled team and wants to have an immediate impact building the next generation of energy-efficient embedded applications, this is for you!

Responsibilities

• Develop bring-up test hardware and customer EDKs
• Engage with PCBA vendors, and manage relationships
• Perform board bring-up
• Perform pre-silicon validation activities for our processors
• Develop boot ROM and firmware for our processors
• Perform first-silicon bring-up and checkout activities
• Engage with Digital Design and Compiler teams to debug silicon issues
• Build out a low level SDK for our processors and maintain a set of standard libraries
• Support customers with their board development efforts, reviewing designs and providing recommended solutions
• Deploy applications to our processors, in software simulation, RTL emulation, and silicon implementation

Required Qualifications & Experience Requirements

• 8+ years experience with PCB board design
• 8+ years of experience developing software for embedded systems
• Experience debugging new silicon and hardware prototypes in the lab
• 5+ years of experience with C and/or C++
• Deep knowledge of at least one embedded platform, such as MSP430, STM32, Ambiq Apollo, PIC32, or similar
• Experience using industry standard development and debugging tools for embedded systems
• Strong attention to detail, and an ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously
• Good problem solving skills, communication skills, and work ethic
• Comfortable working at a start-up engineering pace

Desired Qualifications & Experience Requirements

• Experience with Altium Develop
• Solid grasp of computer architectures

We offer a competitive base salary for this role, generally ranging from $160,000 to $220,000, plus a 10% annual bonus, meaningful equity, and comprehensive benefits. Final compensation will depend on experience, level, and location, with flexibility for the right candidate.

Benefits

• Why Join Efficient?
• Efficient offers a competitive compensation and benefits package , including 401K match, company-paid benefits, equity program, paid parental leave, and flexibility . We are committed to personal and professional development and strive to grow together as people and as a company.