Electrical Hardware Engineer

About the CompanyThrively is partnering with a well-funded, venture-backed hardware startup building next-generation optical switching technology designed to transform how large-scale AI infrastructure is interconnected.The company is developing a MEMS-based silicon photonics optical switching platform that enables direct optical connectivity between thousands of GPUs and memory resources. By replacing traditional electrical switching architectures with optical switching, the platform dramatically improves performance, scalability, and energy efficiency for hyperscale AI data centers.This is a rare opportunity to join a deep-tech engineering team working at the intersection of electronics, photonics, and advanced computing infrastructure.Role OverviewWe are seeking an Electrical Hardware Engineer to join a growing hardware team and work closely with the Lead Hardware Engineer (Digital & Embedded Systems) to develop, bring up, debug, and validate electronic systems that control an advanced optical switching platform.This role is ideal for an engineer who enjoys hands-on hardware development and lab work — someone who can move fluidly between schematic design, PCB layout, board bring-up, debugging, and system testing.You will play a key role in bringing new hardware designs to life and helping integrate electronic control systems with cutting-edge photonics technology.Key ResponsibilitiesHardware Bring-Up & DebuggingPerform initial bring-up of new circuit boards and hardware prototypesDebug and troubleshoot electrical issues using lab equipmentDiagnose problems related to power systems, digital interfaces, and mixed-signal circuitsWork closely with firmware and FPGA engineers to validate hardware functionalityHardware Testing & ValidationDevelop and execute test plans for prototype hardwareBuild test setups and validation environments for electronic systemsCharacterize hardware performance and identify root causes of failuresSupport system-level testing and integrationHardware Design SupportAssist with schematic capture and PCB design using Altium DesignerContribute to the design and implementation of mixed-signal electronic systemsWork with the hardware lead to implement subsystem designs and revisionsSupport component selection and board revisions as designs evolveAssist in defining electrical hardware standards, processes, and librariesSystem IntegrationIntegrate control electronics with optical switching hardwareCollaborate with photonics, firmware, and FPGA teamsParticipate in design reviews and hardware validation activitiesRequired QualificationsBS or MS in Electrical Engineering5–10 years of experience designing and debugging electronic hardwareStrong PCB design experience using Altium DesignerHands-on experience with board bring-up, debugging, and hardware validationStrong lab skills using equipment such as: Oscilloscopes, Multimeters, Electronic loads, Logic analyzersStrong soldering skills, including working with small components (down to 0402)Experience with digital and mixed-signal circuit designStrong troubleshooting and root-cause analysis skillsPreferred ExperienceExperience working with FPGA-based systems (Verilog/VHDL familiarity a plus)Embedded firmware experience (C/C++)Familiarity with high-speed interfaces (PCIe, DDR, Ethernet, LVDS, etc.)Experience building prototype hardware systemsExperience working in early-stage hardware development environmentsCompensation$150,000 – $200,000 base salary + equity.Actual compensation and title will depend on experience, skills, and overall fit for the role.If you’re interested in working on next-generation hardware infrastructure powering the future of AI compute, we’d love to connect.