Application Engineer – Low Power Edge Inference (DIB Focus)

About This RoleWe are seeking an Application Engineer to support deployment and integration of our ultra-low-power edge inference SoC within the U.S. Defense Industrial Base (DIB), including collaborations with Army, Navy, and Air Force service laboratories, as well as broader federally-funded defense contractors and research organizations.This role sits at the intersection of silicon/emerging hardware, embedded systems, and machine learning, with a focus on enabling real-world edge inference in highly constrained environments. Typical application areas include low-power sensing, image/video/signal processing, communications, and edge data reduction where power, size, and connectivity are limited.You will work directly with customers to bring up systems, integrate models, and debug issues across hardware and software boundaries. This is an entry-level role with significant on-the-job training. Strong fundamentals, hands-on experience, self-motivation and learning agility are more important than prior domain specialization.ResponsibilitiesCustomer EnablementServe as a technical interface between internal engineering teams and DIB customers (prime contractors, government labs, and system integrators)Support customer evaluation, system bring-up, and integration of the SoC into system platformsDevelop reference designs, application notes, and integration guides for mission-driven use casesTroubleshoot system-level issues spanning hardware, firmware, and ML inference pipelinesTechnical IntegrationAssist customers in deploying and optimizing ML models for ultra-low-power edge inferenceSupport sensor integration (e.g., audio, RF, vision) and data pipelines into the SoCProfile and improve system performance (latency, energy per inference, memory usage, accuracy)Work with SDKs, toolchains, and embedded environments to enable rapid prototyping and deploymentDebug & Bring-UpPerform hands-on debugging of hardware/software systems using lab instrumentationDiagnose issues across interfaces (e.g., SPI, I2C, GPIO) and system componentsSupport board bring-up and validation in both internal labs and customer environmentsInternal Feedback LoopTranslate customer requirements into actionable feedback for silicon, firmware, and software teamsIdentify gaps in tooling, documentation, or product capabilities impacting adoptionSupport validation of new features in real-world deployment scenariosField EngagementSupport demos, pilots, and integration efforts at customer and government lab sitesTravel as needed to support on-site bring-up, debugging, and deploymentRequired QualificationsBachelor’s degree or higher in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related fieldProficiency in C/C++ demonstrated through coursework, projects, or internshipsExperience with embedded or low-level systems (e.g., microcontrollers, device interfacing, or systems programming)Familiarity with Linux development environments (command line, build tools, scripting)Familiarity with Python or similar scripting languagesHands-on experience with hardware debugging and bring-up (e.g., oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters) through coursework or projectsAbility to debug and reason across hardware and software boundariesStrong problem-solving skills and ability to learn quickly in unfamiliar technical domainsClear communication skills with the ability to explain technical concepts to diverse audiencesAbility to produce clear, concise technical documentation (e.g., integration guides, application notes, and debugging reports)Willingness to travel to customer and government lab sites as neededU.S. citizenship required; ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. security clearance may be requiredPreferred QualificationsExposure to machine learning, TinyML, or model deployment workflows (e.g., TensorFlow Lite, PyTorch)Familiarity with signal processing concepts or sensor data analysisExperience with embedded toolchains, build systems, or cross-compilationFamiliarity with common hardware interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, ADCs)Experience with version control systems (e.g., Git)Internship or project experience in semiconductors, robotics, embedded systems, or related fieldsFamiliarity with defense or government R&D environmentsWhat Makes This Role UniqueDirect involvement in deploying cutting-edge edge AI silicon into real-world, resource-constrained systemsHands-on work across the full stack: sensors ? firmware ? ML inference ? system integrationExposure to mission-critical applications in challenging operating environmentsOpportunity to develop into a highly cross-functional engineer spanning hardware, software, and MLWork EnvironmentCombination of lab-based engineering, customer interaction, and field supportClose collaboration with silicon design, firmware, and ML software teamsFast-paced, hands-on environment focused on delivering deployable solutions, not just prototypesSalary Range: $120,000 - $180,000 / year