> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2590413-hardware-engineer-founding](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2590413-hardware-engineer-founding). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Hardware Engineer (founding)

- **Company:** Needl Inc.
- **Location:** San Francisco, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $250,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** 3d Models, Software Debugging, Ethernet, Build Management, Lidar, GNSS
- **Published:** August 2, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.careerboard.com/us/en/find-jobs-in-United-States/-50531C155CB80AE930/

## About the Role

* You're a hacker at heart - the kind of person who gets a prototype working before most people finish their planning doc.
 * You've built something from scratch: a company, a product, a robot, a system - success not required, agency absolutely required.
 * You work extremely hard, laugh often, and don't mind chaos. You prefer figure it out now to wait for perfect requirements.

## Description

As a founding Hardware/Mechatronics Engineer, you'll design and build the core systems that enable remote operation, sensing, and autonomy assistance on industrial machines. You'll work across mechanical, electrical, and Embedded disciplines, often all in the same day.
System Design & Prototyping

 * Architect and build tele-operation hardware systems, including power, compute, and control modules for machine retrofits.

Sensor Integration

 * Integrate and calibrate cameras, LiDAR, radar, GNSS, IMUs, and other sensors using interfaces like GMSL, CAN, and Ethernet.

Electrical & Mechanical Integration

 * Design robust wiring harnesses, brackets, mounts, and enclosures that survive real-world abuse.

Communication Interfaces

 * Implement and validate CAN, LIN, J1939, Serial, and Ethernet connections with both existing ECUs and custom control hardware.

Manufacturing & DFM

 * Work with vendors to bring designs from scrappy prototypes to reliable production, including DFM, testing, and validation.

Testing & Validation

 * Lead machine bring-up, HIL testing, and on-site debugging alongside software and autonomy engineers.

Documentation & Design

 * Produce schematics, harness drawings, CAD models, assembly docs, and anything else needed to build and scale the hardware.


## Related Videos

- [Building your way to a serverless powered IOT Buzzwire game](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/590-building-your-way-to-a-serverless-powered-iot-buzzwire-game)
- [The Gashlycrumb Tinies of AI Networking You Must Know (or Languish!)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2067-the-gashlycrumb-tinies-of-ai-networking-you-must-know-or-languish)
- [How to develop an autonomous car end-to-end: Robotic Drive and the mobility revolution](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/22-how-to-develop-an-autonomous-car-end-to-end-robotic-drive-and-the-mobility-revolution)
- [Building a hypercar from scratch](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/607-building-a-hypercar-from-scratch)
- [WeAreDevelopers - Of Agents and Robots](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2155-wearedevelopers-of-agents-and-robots)
- [Docker network without Docker](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1418-docker-network-without-docker)

## Related Articles

- [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again)
- [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers)
- [Never delegate the understanding](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/749-never-delegate-the-understanding)
- [9 Ways to Make Money Hacking](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/333-9-ways-to-make-money-hacking)
- [Top Characteristics of a Software Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/166-top-characteristics-of-a-software-engineer)
- [Dev Digest 129 - Now that's what I call private data!](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/468-dev-digest-129-now-that-s-what-i-call-private-data)