Lead Hardware Engineer, Digital & Embedded Systems

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionAbout Us 
We are nEye: a well-funded optical switch startup poised to revolutionize the future of data centers. nEye’s MEMS-based silicon photonics optical circuit switches (OCS) eliminate critical bottlenecks in AI processing by enabling direct optical connections among thousands of GPUs and memory units. The company's SuperSwitch is an ultra-low power consumption, high radix, compact chip-scale design, offering hyperscale data centers enhanced performance, efficiency, and scalability.
Role Overview 
We’re seeking a Lead Hardware Engineer to drive the design and development of advanced digital and embedded control systems for nEye’s next- optical switching platforms. This role complements our existing ASIC design leadership by focusing on embedded controller architecture, memory systems (Flash, DDR), high-speed interfaces, and overall digital board design. While some FPGA integration is required, the primary focus is on robust microcontroller/processor-based control systems, including redundant architectures. You’ll work hands-on designing, implementing, and validating high-performance digital hardware and embedded systems that bridge the optical, ASIC, and software domains. The ideal candidate is a seasoned, hands-on engineer who thrives in a fast-paced startup environment and loves translating complex concepts into elegant, reliable hardware.Key Responsibilities

• Digital Board & System Architecture (1) Architect, design, and validate complex, high-reliability digital and mixed-signal PCBs for optical and data-center environments. (2) Implement robust embedded control systems using microcontrollers/processors, including redundant controller architectures for high availability. (3) Design and integrate memory subsystems (DDR, Flash, SRAM) and own the design of power sequencing, reset, and clock distribution. (4) Define and implement high-speed interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, I2C/SPI, GMII, etc.) between controllers, ASICs, and other subsystems. (5) Own schematic capture, signal/power integrity review, and full-system bring-up for digital and controller-heavy boards. (6) Interface with analog, optics, ASIC, and firmware teams to ensure cohesive system integration and performance.
• FPGA & Digital Logic Integration (1) Implement and validate supporting FPGA logic for system integration, data path management, or interface glue logic. (2) Develop and maintain HDL code (VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog) as needed for board-level digital functions. (3) Support FPGA synthesis, timing closure, simulation, and lab bring-up on prototype and production hardware.
• System Debug & Validation (1) Perform hands-on debugging, characterization, and root-cause analysis across digital, firmware, and interface layers. (2) Use oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol analyzers to validate board-level and system functionality. (3) Develop and automate validation test plans, including hardware-in-the-loop testing.
• Manufacturing Support & Reliability (1) Collaborate with manufacturing and test teams to ensure DFT and DFM best practices. (2) Drive continuous improvement of system programming, boundary scan, and board-level test procedures.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.5+ years of hands-on experience in digital board and embedded system design.
• Proven ability to design, debug, and bring up complex digital boards and systems.
• Strong experience designing with embedded microcontrollers/processors, memory (DDR, Flash), and power management systems.
• Experience integrating high-speed interfaces (PCIe, SERDES, DDR, Ethernet), including ASIC interfaces.
• Skilled in schematic capture, PCB bring-up, and use of lab debug tools (oscilloscopes, logic/protocol analyzers).
• Familiarity with FPGA design flow (RTL coding, synthesis, verification) and integration.
• Excellent problem-solving and documentation skills; clear, structured communicator across disciplines.

Skills

• Strong, hands-on experience with FPGA design (Xilinx, Intel/Altera) and HDL (VHDL/Verilog) is a significant plus.
• Familiarity with signal and power integrity analysis tools (HyperLynx, Sigrity, ADS, etc.).
• Experience with design verification, hardware automation (Python/LabVIEW), and scripting for validation.
• Knowledge of optical or photonics hardware systems is a plus (but not required).
• Prior work in telecom, data center, or high-reliability embedded systems environments.

Expected Salary Range and Title: $220,000-$280,000 annually. Starting salary and title will depend on, and be commensurate with, relevant experience, skills, training, education, market demands, and the ultimate job duties and requirements.nEye is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to , , , , , , , , , protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.