Hardware Systems Engineer

About NextSense At NextSense (https://nextsense.io/), our mission is to restore energy, joy, and purpose to daily life through clinically validated brain-sensing technology. Based in Mountain View, CA, our multi-modal smart earbud platform is designed to enhance sleep at night and boost energy throughout the day. Join us in shaping the future of wearable EEG and machine learning-driven insights.Your RoleWe are a close-knit team of experts in hardware, software, algorithms, and neuroscience.Your mission is to own our EEG earbud as a system (hardware integration, design validation, and production health) and to be our primary technical interface to our ODM partner in China.You will lead cross-domain debugging and root cause across the full device: mechanical fit and enclosures, acoustics, battery and charging, Bluetooth/RF, and the EEG sensing chain (electrodes, coatings, analog front end).You will own design validation: define and review EVT/DVT/PVT test plans with the ODM, judge results, and drive open issues and corrective actions to closure.You will support builds on-site at the factory and monitor production health (yields, test-station data, and field returns), translating factory and field data into engineering action.You will run the program: master schedule, deliverables and open-issue tracking, BOM/PO and vendor payment status, risk flagging, and crisp weekly updates to leadership.Reporting to the VP of Engineering, you will collaborate with engineers, scientists, and multi-geo teams across US and Asia time zones.EssentialsExperience: 5+ years in hardware systems, electrical, or hardware integration engineering for consumer electronics; you have taken at least one product through EVT/DVT/PVT into mass production.Mandarin: Professional fluency (spoken; written strongly preferred), required for daily communication with our China-based ODM and suppliers.China experience: Direct, hands-on experience working with Chinese ODMs/CMs, and willingness to travel to China regularly (~25%, including multi-week on-site stays during builds).Systems debugging: Strong root-cause skills across electrical, mechanical, and RF domains. Comfortable with schematics, mechanical drawings, bench instrumentation, and structured failure analysis.Program management: Highly organized; proven ability to own schedules, track deliverables across vendors and internal teams, and turn test and factory data into actionable reports and decisions.Collaboration: Excellent communication skills and experience working with cross-functional, distributed teams.Startup Mindset: Adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; comfortable wearing multiple hats.At this time, we're only able to consider applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States.Desired: Familiarity with any of the followingTWS earbuds / hearables subsystems: acoustics, antenna and Bluetooth RF (SoC platforms e.g., Airoha, BES, Qualcomm), battery and charging, small enclosuresBiosignal hardware: EEG/PPG analog front ends, dry electrodes, coatings and surface treatments, impedance measurementRF debug: desense, antenna tuning, regulatory/EMC exposureReliability testing and returns/RMA failure analysisManufacturing test: test station and fixture design, yield analysisCompany Culture and Values At NextSense, we value hard work but also believe in enjoying the journey. Our fast-paced environment is balanced with a fun, collaborative atmosphere that fosters innovation and creativity. We are hands-on, often wearing multiple hats to drive our mission forward. There is ample room for professional growth, with opportunities to learn, take on new challenges, and make a significant impact. Our culture proceeds from our core values: Conviction, Connection, Curiosity, Compassion, Candor, and Co-Founder Mentality.Benefits and PerksCompetitive Salaries: $130K–$170K plus stock optionsComprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and visionCollaborative Work Environment: Supportive, cross-functional teams with opportunities to travel for sync-upsMake a Real Impact: Work on a mission-driven product that restores joy, energy, and purposeApplication Process Our application process is designed to ensure the best fit for both you and NextSense. It includes:Application: Submit your resume and a brief paragraph explaining why our mission resonates with you.Screening Interview: A short call to align on goals and experience.Team Interviews: 2–4 sessions with various team members to explore technical skills, collaboration style, and cultural fit.