Senior Hardware Test Engineer - Micro-Soldering​/PCB ECO; On-site. West Lafayette

Overview

Push wearable hardware to its limits—Test, break, and perfect the next era of human-computer interaction

On-site – West Lafayette, IN |
Base $75k – $100k ≈ $145k – $190k Bay-Area equivalent after cost-of-living + equity + full benefits

We provide relocation packages and visa transfers (if required) for engineers currently in the San Francisco Bay Area and other U.S. hubs.

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.

See Wi-R in action: visit ixana.ai for demos of high-speed data streaming through skin contact. (Remove links in final version.)

Own the testing and validation pipeline for our bleeding-edge wearable prototypes—run experiments, break boards, and help shape the next Wi-R device rev.

• 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

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

• Base salary $75 000 – $100 000 USD — equivalent to ≈ $145k – $190k Bay-Area purchasing power

• Meaningful early-stage equity

• Relocation bonus, partner job-search help

What does $75K–$100K in West Lafayette, IN feel like elsewhere?

• San Jose, CA (Silicon Valley):
  Equivalent to $145K–$190K

• Portland / Hillsboro, OR:
  Equivalent to $115K–$153K

• Chandler, AZ:
  Equivalent to $102K–$135K

• Austin, TX:
  Equivalent to $116K–$155K

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.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan

• 5 days a week in office. 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 as long as you are already in US on a work permit

• Full visa sponsorship (STEM‑OPT transfer / H‑1B / TN / future green card)

• 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

West Lafayette, IN – On-site at our R&D Center

• Resume

• Portfolio of hardware testing or rework projects (if applicable)

• A brief summary of a board-level bug or test scenario you’ve solved (optional but encouraged)

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.

Keywords: Hardware Test, PCB Rework, Micro-Soldering, Oscilloscope, SMT, IoT, Wearables, Debugging, Wi-R, Startup, Root Cause Analysis