Senior Hardware Test Engineer - Micro-Soldering / PCB ECO at Ixana

About Ixana

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.

We provide relocation packages and visa transfer support (if required) for candidates based in the San Francisco Bay Area and other major U.S. hubs.

The Wi-R Revolution

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: High-speed data, transferred through skin contact - Demonstration of Wi-R communication

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 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 - BestPlaces 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 BestPlaces 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