Nohvel is hiring: Lead Hardware Engineer (CTO Track) in San Francisco

3 days ago Be among the first 25 applicants Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. Nohvel is a pre-seed bootstrapped startup pioneering breakthrough atmospheric display technology without traditional projection surfaces. Our platform technology has applications spanning multiple industries. About the Role We're seeking an exceptional hardware engineer to lead technical development of our revolutionary display system. This role offers a direct path to CTO as we grow, with significant equity and founding team status for the right candidate. Responsibilities Lead hardware architecture development and system integration Design and optimize optical and photonic systems Implement atmospheric/environmental sensing technologies Develop control electronics and embedded systems Create thermal management solutions for precision components Build and manage technical roadmap from prototype to production What We’re Looking For / Key Requirements Lasers and photonics: Laser physics — deep understanding of laser operation, optics, and power delivery systems for integrating laser systems Optoelectronics: Designing with optical sensors, detectors, and fiber optics, and handling optical signal integrity Control systems: Designing circuits for laser power regulation, modulation, and thermal management MEMS design and physics: Knowledge of MEMS technology, materials science, and device physics; familiarity with CAD tools and FEA software Microfabrication processes: Cleanroom protocols and semiconductor manufacturing techniques for MEMS fabrication Test and characterization: MEMS testing, characterization, and electronics interface design Environmental sensor integration: Sensor fusion across inertial sensors, pressure, magnetic, and other environmental sensors Signal processing: Analog/digital signal conditioning circuitry and DSP algorithms Low-power design: Low-power embedded systems for battery-operated or long-term monitoring applications HDLs: Proficiency in Verilog and/or VHDL for RTL design FPGA toolchains: Experience with Xilinx Vivado or Intel Quartus; high-speed interfaces (PCIe, Ethernet, DDR) Embedded processors: SoC designs pairing FPGAs with embedded processors (e.g., ARM) Debugging: Lab equipment mastery for board bring-up and troubleshooting Low-power design: Power-saving features in FPGA and microcontroller firmware DSP on FPGAs: DSP skills for low-latency sensor data processing and laser stabilization control loops Embedded C/C++: Proficiency in microcontroller software development Interface design: Knowledge of SPI, I2C, UART, USB and high-speed memory interfaces PCB design: Schematic capture, PCB layout, and simulation for complex mixed-signal designs Thermal management know-how for sensitive electronics Ability to work in a resource-constrained startup Passion for creating breakthrough display technologies Design for manufacturing (DFM) Verification and validation Cross-functional leadership and mentorship Project and budget management Technology scouting Intellectual property understanding Obsolescence management Technical support and documentation What We Offer Founding team status with a significant equity package Clear path to CTO position as the company grows Opportunity to shape revolutionary technology from the ground up Work on technology with applications across multiple industries This is a rare opportunity to pioneer the next generation of display technology. We're looking for someone who shares our vision and wants to build something extraordinary. Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Employment type: Other Job function: Engineering and Information Technology Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing #J-18808-Ljbffr