Founding Systems Engineer (Embedded OS + Hardware)

Location:	Mohali, Punjab (In-office). Global relocation support is available for exceptional candidates.
Experience:	7–12 years
Compensation:	Fully negotiable based on expertise, delivery track record, and architecture depth
Equity:	Core team ESOP access available for exceptional candidates
Start Date:	Immediate

About the Role

We're building a next-generation edge-native platform, and this requires a rare systems mind to own the stack from bare metal to boot. We're looking for a systems generalist, likely with a deep "spike" in either hardware design or embedded OS, and the passion to command the full spectrum.

As the Founding Systems Engineer, you will own the full stack: hardware platform selection, embedded system bring-up, display interfacing, and secure OS architecture. Your work will sit at the intersection of custom hardware design, embedded Linux internals, AI acceleration, and real-world applications.

This is a founding role — you’ll set the architecture, make core decisions, prototype rapidly, and work directly with OS, AI, and UI teams.

If you’ve been a system architect, lead engineer, or technical co-founder in hardware-first teams and want to build a high-performance, locally run, intelligent system for the real world — this is your playground.

Responsibilities

Hardware + Board-Level Ownership

• Select and validate SOM/SBC platforms for performance, power, and connectivity.

• Design or co-design carrier boards / custom PCBs to integrate key interfaces (HDMI, USB, audio, Ethernet, etc.).

• Work with vendors for prototyping, fabrication, and bring-up.

• Manage power delivery, thermal performance, and display signal integrity.

• Bring up and debug early units using UART, multimeter, scopes, and flashing tools.

Embedded Systems + OS Integration

• Lead Linux-based OS bring-up (bootloader, device tree, drivers).

• Customize system image (e.g., secure partitions, A/B updates, firmware hooks).

• Enable display pipeline, touch/mic/audio peripherals, and sensor IO.

• Collaborate with AI/voice stack teams to optimize GPU/NPU/RTOS pathways.

• Optimize boot time, kernel stability, and system resource management.

Architecture + Team Contribution

• Define early architecture choices with an eye on scale, modularity, and reliability.

• Work closely with software, security, and AI teams to ensure a seamless hardware-software stack.

• As a founding member, you will help define and shape our future hardware team, with the choice to grow into a leadership role or remain a principal-level individual contributor guiding technical strategy.

• Support vendor engagements for certifications, compliance, and sourcing.

Must-Have Skills

• 7–12 years in embedded systems, board design, and OS bring-up.

• Proven experience with ARM64 SoCs or SOMs (Jetson, RK3588, i.MX8, etc.).

• Comfortable designing with tools like Altium, KiCad, or OrCAD.

• Deep knowledge of bootloaders (U-Boot), device trees, and kernel modules.

• Familiarity with HDMI, eDP, LVDS, I2C, SPI, UART, and USB.

• Skilled in debugging with oscilloscopes, UART logs, and flashing tools.

• Experience working across hardware and OS integration — not just one side.

• Knowledge of thermal constraints, fanless design, and power conditioning.

Bonus Skills

• Experience with AI accelerators (GPU/NPU/DLA) on embedded platforms.

• Exposure to OTA update systems, secure boot, and partition management.

• Familiarity with Linux-based media pipelines, framebuffer, and audio systems.

• Prior work in consumer electronics, edge AI, signage, or video systems.

• Experience with BIS, FCC, CE, or other hardware certification workflows.

Who You Are

• A true systems generalist—you might be an expert in schematics or a master of the kernel, but you see the entire stack from silicon to shell as one living system.

• Comfortable owning the problem end-to-end, not just executing specs.

• Craves fast-paced prototyping and tight integration with software.

• Values technical purity and build efficiency, not bureaucracy.

• Wants to be part of something ambitious and national in scale.

What You’ll Get

• Complete ownership of a full-stack intelligent controller device.

• Opportunity to set architecture and build the system from scratch.

• A chance to work with top-tier engineers across OS, AI, and design.

• A world-class R&D lab environment. You'll have the tools, vendors, and resources you need to build great things, fast.

• Founding-level visibility, responsibility, and ESOP participation.

  
  

To Apply

Email careers@vusictechnologies.com with the following:

Tell us a bit about you:

1. Your resume / portfolio.

2. Any PCB or OS boot-up projects you've worked on (personal or professional).

3. A short note about what stack you'd pick if you were designing a device from scratch.

NOTE: Vusic is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. However, please note that we maintain a strict no-smoking policy.