Hardware Engineer (II)

Role Overview:
The Haptics and Input Sensing group develops state of the art Human-Machine-Interface (HMI) solutions for Google devices. Our goal is to deliver magical user experiences by introducing Client sensing input and haptic output systems through hardware progression and algorithm refinements.

We are looking for a hardware engineer to lead the development of next-generation force sensor hardware. This role bridges the gap between electrical and mechanical engineering from defining sensor and ASIC requirements to overseeing system integration, and failure analysis ensuring these complex systems adhere to strict launch schedules in high-volume products.

Top Responsibilities:
- Drive the end-to-end execution of the design in high volume Google products, ensuring robust performance from prototype to mass production.
- Partner with ID, System engineering, Operation teams to optimize sensor integrations.
- Collaborate closely with Firmware and Algorithm teams to optimize sensor signal chains, drivers, and user interaction models.
- Schematic Design & Review: Design, modify, and review electrical schematics for embedded systems, ensuring proper component selection, power distribution, and signal integrity.
- Hardware Bring-Up: Lead the initial bring-up, debugging, and verification of prototype Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).
- Lab Testing: Utilize standard lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, digital multimeters, spectrum analyzers) to diagnose and resolve complex hardware-software boundary issues.
- Embedded FW Development: Write clean, robust, and maintainable C/C code for bare-metal systems or Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS).
- Driver Implementation: Develop and optimize low-level peripheral drivers for communication protocols including I2C, SPI, UART, USB, and PCIe.
- Software Scripting: Write Python or shell scripts to automate hardware testing, data collection, and validation procedures.

Minimum role qualifications:
- 2 years of experience working in a Robotics and force sensing technical environment, or 1 year of experience with an advanced degree.
- B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics or related field, and a minimum 2 years relevant industry experience.
- Deep understanding of force sensing technologies (strain, capacitive, resistive, piezo) and experience with mixed-signal auditing and analog front-end design (specifically PGAs, ADCs, and DACs) and integration at system level.
- Hands-on experience in sensing system prototype design, bring-up, debugging, characterization and functional verification.
- Proven experience in schematic capture and PCB design tools (e.g., Altium Designer, OrCAD, Eagle).
- Strong proficiency in C or C for embedded systems, with a solid understanding of memory management and microcontrollers (e.g., ARM Cortex-M, ESP32, TI MSP430).
- Hands-on experience debugging hardware using standard lab test equipment.
- Ability to read, interpret, and critique complex electrical schematics and component datasheets.
- Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications:
- M.S./Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics or related field, and a minimum 2 years relevant industry experience.
- Proficiency in Multiphysics simulations (e.g., Ansys, COMSOL) to model structural-electrostatic interactions and guide mechanical design.
- Expertise in designing instrumentation amplifiers and Wheatstone bridge circuits for low-noise strain sensing applications.
- Experience with 3D CAD tools (e.g., NX, SolidWorks) and performing tolerance analysis on complex mechanical stack-ups.
- Experienced in designing high volume, high quality consumer electronic products.

Work Location: Mountain View, CA - Hybrid (Tues-Thurs in the office. Monday & Friday remote) - Preference is 5 days Onsite if Lab work required
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, Normal Business Hours

EEO:
Mindlance is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of Minority/Gender/Disability/Religion/LGBTQI/Age/Veterans.