What are the responsibilities and job description for the Lead Electrical Engineer position at Approach Venture?
Lead Electrical Engineer - Advanced Hardware Systems
Austin, Texas | On-site
Opportunity Summary
A venture-backed deep technology company is developing advanced photonic and electronic hardware systems for next-generation computing, communications, aerospace, and national security applications. The products combine sophisticated electronics, advanced packaging, precision manufacturing, and high-performance system architectures to deliver capabilities beyond conventional hardware platforms. We are seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer to own the electrical architecture, design, validation, and production readiness of critical hardware systems. This individual will lead development of complex electronic assemblies, drive system-level engineering decisions, and help establish the infrastructure required to scale products from development into manufacturing. The role offers significant ownership across product design, validation, and long-term technical direction while working closely with firmware, mechanical, systems, and manufacturing teams.
About Us
We are an early-stage technology company building advanced hardware platforms at the intersection of photonics, electronics, and manufacturing. Our team is focused on solving challenging engineering problems that require exceptional performance, reliability, and scalability. The technologies being developed have applications across next-generation computing infrastructure, communications networks, aerospace systems, and national security programs. We operate in a hands-on, engineering-driven environment where ownership, execution, and technical excellence are highly valued. Team members have the opportunity to influence both product development and the future growth of the organization.
Job Duties
$150,000 - $200,000
Austin, Texas | On-site
Opportunity Summary
A venture-backed deep technology company is developing advanced photonic and electronic hardware systems for next-generation computing, communications, aerospace, and national security applications. The products combine sophisticated electronics, advanced packaging, precision manufacturing, and high-performance system architectures to deliver capabilities beyond conventional hardware platforms. We are seeking a Lead Electrical Engineer to own the electrical architecture, design, validation, and production readiness of critical hardware systems. This individual will lead development of complex electronic assemblies, drive system-level engineering decisions, and help establish the infrastructure required to scale products from development into manufacturing. The role offers significant ownership across product design, validation, and long-term technical direction while working closely with firmware, mechanical, systems, and manufacturing teams.
About Us
We are an early-stage technology company building advanced hardware platforms at the intersection of photonics, electronics, and manufacturing. Our team is focused on solving challenging engineering problems that require exceptional performance, reliability, and scalability. The technologies being developed have applications across next-generation computing infrastructure, communications networks, aerospace systems, and national security programs. We operate in a hands-on, engineering-driven environment where ownership, execution, and technical excellence are highly valued. Team members have the opportunity to influence both product development and the future growth of the organization.
Job Duties
- Lead the architecture, design, and validation of complex electronic systems from concept through production release
- Design multilayer PCB assemblies supporting high-speed data transfer, power distribution, control systems, monitoring functions, and system diagnostics
- Define electrical system architecture and make key tradeoff decisions related to performance, reliability, manufacturability, thermal constraints, and testability
- Develop signal integrity and power integrity strategies for high-performance hardware platforms
- Perform schematic capture, design reviews, and support PCB layout activities throughout the product lifecycle
- Lead board bring-up, system integration, validation, and root-cause analysis activities
- Develop evaluation platforms and test hardware used to characterize and qualify new technologies and components
- Define validation plans and compliance testing strategies for critical electronic subsystems
- Partner with firmware engineers to support hardware bring-up, debugging, programming, and production test infrastructure
- Collaborate with manufacturing teams to implement design-for-manufacturing and design-for-test best practices
- Analyze production and field performance data to improve product reliability and manufacturing yield
- Establish electrical engineering standards, documentation practices, and design review processes
- Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary development efforts
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related technical discipline
- 5 years of experience developing complex electronic hardware products through production release
- Strong experience with schematic capture, multilayer PCB design, and high-density electronic assemblies
- Deep understanding of signal integrity, power integrity, high-speed interfaces, and modern electronic system design
- Hands-on experience using laboratory equipment such as oscilloscopes, network analyzers, logic analyzers, spectrum analyzers, or related test equipment
- Experience leading board bring-up, validation, and system-level debugging activities
- Strong understanding of hardware development processes from prototype through manufacturing
- Experience collaborating closely with firmware, mechanical, manufacturing, and systems engineering teams
- Demonstrated ability to drive technical decisions and execute within fast-paced development environments
- Willingness to support critical development and production milestones when required
- Experience developing hardware for computing infrastructure, communications systems, aerospace platforms, semiconductor equipment, or other advanced technology products
- Experience with high-speed interfaces such as PCIe, Ethernet, DDR, SerDes, or similar technologies
- Familiarity with automated test systems, production test infrastructure, and hardware validation environments
- Experience collaborating closely with embedded software and firmware development teams
- Experience mentoring engineers or leading technical development efforts
- Proficiency with scripting languages such as Python, MATLAB, or similar tools for automation and analysis
- Experience with signal integrity and power integrity simulation tools
- Familiarity with high-density interconnect, rigid-flex, RF, or advanced PCB technologies
- Experience supporting EMC/EMI testing, compliance certification, and product qualification efforts
- Familiarity with configuration management, engineering change processes, and PLM systems
- Experience working with photonic, optoelectronic, semiconductor, or high-performance computing hardware
- Opportunity to develop advanced technologies supporting next-generation computing, communications, aerospace, and national security applications
- Significant ownership over product architecture and key engineering decisions
- Direct influence on product performance, manufacturability, and long-term technical strategy
- Exposure to challenging multidisciplinary engineering problems across hardware, firmware, and manufacturing
- Equity participation and long-term growth potential within a rapidly growing startup
- Collaborative, execution-focused environment where strong technical contributions have immediate impact
$150,000 - $200,000
Salary : $150,000 - $200,000