About NextSense
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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.
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Your Role
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- We are a close-knit team of experts in hardware, software, algorithms, and neuroscience.
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- Your mission is to own manufacturing of our EEG earbud, from engineering builds through mass production, and to be our primary interface to our ODM partner in China.
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- You will drive NPI builds (EVT, DVT, PVT, MP): build readiness, on-site support at the factory, build reports, and closure of open issues and corrective actions.
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- You will track production health day to day (schedules, yields, line and test-station data, first-pass failures) and drive root-cause analysis (8D/CAPA) with the ODM and our internal electrical, firmware, and mechanical engineers.
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- You will debug issues that cross domains: mechanical fit and cosmetics, acoustics, battery and charging, Bluetooth/RF, and the quality of our EEG sensing components (electrodes, coatings, impedance screening).
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- 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.
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- Reporting to the VP of Engineering, you will collaborate with engineers, scientists, and multi-geo teams across US and Asia time zones.
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Essentials
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- Experience: 5+ years in manufacturing, NPI, or hardware program engineering for consumer electronics; you have taken at least one product through EVT/DVT/PVT into mass production.
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- Mandarin: Professional fluency (spoken; written strongly preferred), required for daily communication with our China-based ODM and suppliers.
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- China experience: Direct, hands-on experience managing Chinese ODMs/CMs, and willingness to travel to China regularly (~25%, including multi-week on-site stays during builds).
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- Program management: Highly organized; proven ability to own schedules, track deliverables across vendors and internal teams, and turn messy factory data into actionable reports and decisions.
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- Debugging: Hands-on root-cause skills. Comfortable reading schematics and mechanical drawings, analyzing production and test data, and running structured failure analysis.
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- Collaboration: Excellent communication skills and experience working with cross-functional, distributed teams.
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- Startup Mindset: Adapt and thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment; comfortable wearing multiple hats.
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- At this time, we're only able to consider applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States.
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Desired: Familiarity with any of the following
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- TWS earbuds / hearables: audio, battery, charging case, antenna/RF, and Bluetooth SoC platforms
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- Biosignal wearables: EEG/PPG sensing, dry electrodes, coatings and surface treatments, impedance testing
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- Production test engineering: test station bring-up, fixtures, yield and SPC analysis
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- DFM, plastics, and tooling
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- Reliability testing and returns/RMA failure analysis
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Company Culture and Values
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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.
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Benefits and Perks
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- Competitive Salaries: $130K–$170K plus stock options
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- Comprehensive Health Insurance: Medical, dental, and vision
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- Collaborative Work Environment: Supportive, cross-functional teams with opportunities to travel for sync-ups
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- Make a Real Impact: Work on a mission-driven product that restores joy, energy, and purpose
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Application Process Our application process is designed to ensure the best fit for both you and NextSense. It includes:
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- Application: Submit your resume and a brief paragraph explaining why our mission resonates with you.
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- Screening Interview: A short call to align on goals and experience.
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- Team Interviews: 2–4 sessions with various team members to explore technical skills, collaboration style, and cultural fit.
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