FPGA Engineer

About Hark

Hark is an artificial intelligence company building advanced, personalized intelligence. One that is proactive, multimodal, and capable of interacting with the world through speech, text, vision, and persistent memory.

We're pairing that intelligence with next-generation hardware to create a universal interface between humans and machines. While today's AI largely operates through chat boxes and decade-old devices, Hark is focused on what comes next: agentic systems that interact naturally with people and the real world.

To get there, we're developing multimodal models and next-generation AI hardware together - designed from the ground up as a single, unified interface for a new era of intelligent systems.

About the Role

We are seeking a versatile FPGA Engineer to drive the development of next-generation, low-power consumer electronics. In this role, you will be the linchpin between hardware architecture and software implementation, ensuring our devices are high-performing, power-efficient, and seamlessly integrated. You will work extensively with SoC-based architectures, leading hardware bring-up and collaborating closely with cross-functional architects to turn concepts into reality.

Responsibilities

• Design & Integration: Develop hardware designs centered around SoC chipsets, ensuring optimal power-performance-area (PPA) for battery-operated devices.
• Hardware Bring-Up: Lead initial board bring-up, debugging, and validation. You’ll be the first to "wake up" the hardware and troubleshoot issues alongside the software team.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Hardware and Software Architects to define system specifications, interface requirements, and power management strategies.
• Schematic & PCB Review: Oversee complex multi-layer PCB designs, focusing on signal integrity, power integrity, and thermal management.
• Performance Optimization: Implement low-power design techniques to maximize battery life without compromising user experience.

Requirements

• Education: BS/MS in Electrical Engineering or a related technical field.
• Qualcomm Expertise: Deep familiarity with Qualcomm chipsets and their specific architectural requirements (e.g., Snapdragon, Hexagon DSP, power rails).

Bonus Qualifications

• FPGA Implementation: Experience with low-power FPGA design (e.g., Lattice, Microchip) for interface bridging or custom logic.
• High-Speed Interfaces: Hands-on experience with SerDes (Serializer/Deserializer) protocols, MIPI, or PCIe.
• Sensors: Deep familiarity with multiple sensor systems: optical, camera, motion, radar, touch, depth sensors. 
• Lab Proficiency: Mastery of high-speed oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and protocol exercisers.

 

The pay offered for this position may vary based on several individual factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package may also include additional components/benefits depending on the specific role. This information will be shared if an employment offer is extended.