Senior Hardware Test Engineer - Micro-Soldering ​/ PCB ECO (On-site. West Lafayette, USA)

Push Wearable Hardware To Its Limits—Test, Break, And Perfect The Next Era Of Human-Computer Interaction

On-site – West Lafayette, IN

Ixana is a Purdue University spinoff pioneering brain-inspired wearable computing. We've developed Wi-R, a patented communication tech that's 100x more energy-efficient than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Join our 60-person team building the next era of real-time, AI-powered human-computer interaction.

Wi-R is our patented non-radiative near-field communication technology that creates secure "wire-like wireless" experiences through small E-field bubbles around your body. This breakthrough enables unprecedented energy efficiency at sub-0.1 nanojoules per bit, making long-term wearable and implantable devices finally practical.

What You'll Do

• Perform ultra-fine micro-soldering (0201 & smaller), re-balling, and SMT-level PCB rework
• Rapidly execute hardware ECOs, manage lab tools, and maintain test environments
• Run functional tests and diagnostics using scopes, analyzers, and jigs
• Stress test devices and capture detailed failure logs, photos, and measurements
• Collaborate with hardware engineers to feed real-world feedback into the next design iteration

What We're Looking For

Required:

• Mastery of micro-soldering (0201), BGA rework, and SMT repair
• Hands-on experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hot-air tools, and reflow ovens
• Attention to detail and a root-cause-first troubleshooting mindset
• EE degree or strong portfolio of real-world test/debug projects

Preferred:

• Experience with wearables, low-power IoT systems, or RF-sensitive hardware
• Familiarity with AOI, X-ray, or boundary scan tools

Compensation & Benefits:

• Base salary: $75,000 – $100,000 USD (≈ $145k – $190k Bay Area purchasing power equivalent)
• Meaningful early-stage equity
• Relocation bonus and partner job-search support
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• 5 days/week in office with flexible work arrangements and generous PTO
• Relocation support for qualified candidates
• Professional development opportunities and conference attendance
• Patent development and technology leadership opportunities
• Immigration and work visa support (for candidates already in the U.S. on a work permit)
• Full visa sponsorship (STEM-OPT transfer / H-1B / TN / future green card)

What Does $75K–$100K In West Lafayette, IN Feel Like Elsewhere?

• San Jose, CA (Silicon Valley):
  Equivalent to $145K–$190K (San Jose is at least 94% more expensive than West Lafayette — Best Places index: 233.9 vs 83.5)
• Portland / Hillsboro, OR:
  Equivalent to $115K–$153K (Hillsboro index: 128.1 → ~53% more expensive)
• Chandler, AZ:
  Equivalent to $102K–$135K (Index: 113.0 → ~35% more expensive)
• Austin, TX:
  Equivalent to $116K–$155K (Index: 129.1 → ~55% more expensive)

All figures based on Best Places July 2025 cost-of-living indices. West Lafayette index = 83.5. These reflect real-world purchasing power, not just cash numbers.

Why Join Us

• Work on deep tech that matters
• Collaborate with world-class experts and industry leaders
• Own your work end-to-end and see real impact
• Enjoy a culture of speed, rigor, and respect
• Competitive perks, equity, and global exposure

Ready to re-wire the future of human-computer interaction?

Apply via our careers page. In your note, tell us how you envision using Wi-R to transform everyday experiences across healthcare, industry, or consumer tech.

Ixana is an equal opportunity employer committed to advancing human-computer interfaces through innovative low-power electronics innovation.

-R, Startup, Root Cause Analysis