Lead Applications Engineer

Efficient is developing the world's most energy-efficient general-purpose computer processor. Efficient's patented technology uses 100x less energy than state of the art commercially available ultra-low-power processors and is programmable using standard high-level programming languages and AI/ML frameworks. This level of efficiency makes perpetual, pervasive intelligence possible: run AI/ML continuously on a AA battery for 5-10 years. Our platform's unprecedented level of efficiency enables IoT devices to intelligently capture and curate first-party data to drive the next major computing revolution

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Efficient Computer is seeking a Lead Applications Engineer to bridge the gap between our groundbreaking hardware and real-world customer applications. You will design and implement embedded computing solutions spanning system architecture, board and module design, component selection, and full-stack systems integration - enabling customers to fully leverage Efficient's architecture.

This role sits at the intersection of systems engineering, rapid prototyping, and customer collaboration. You'll work hands-on across hardware and software to quickly turn concepts into functional reference designs and demos that prove out what's possible with our platform. Depending on experience, you may also help shape the direction and practices of the solutions engineering function as a whole.

Key Responsibilities

Systems Engineering & Integration

Own end-to-end system architecture and integration for customer-facing solutions, ensuring hardware, firmware, and software subsystems work together reliably

Partner directly with customers to understand their requirements and architect board- and module-level solutions from concept through deployment

Drive system topology definition, component selection, and design trade-off analysis focused on delivering integrated, working systems

Identify and resolve cross-domain integration issues spanning electrical, thermal, mechanical, and software boundaries

Rapid Prototyping & Hardware Development

Rapidly prototype board- and system-level solutions to validate concepts and accelerate customer design cycles

Lead schematic capture, component selection, and BOM development for reference designs and application-specific boards

Work with multi-layer PCB designs across signal integrity, power integrity, and DFM requirements; collaborate with layout engineers to ensure designs meet thermal and mechanical constraints

Evaluate and select processors, SoCs, power delivery architectures, memory subsystems, and peripheral interfaces for each application

Firmware, Drivers & Software

Develop and optimize firmware and software across embedded computing platforms

Find, evaluate, adapt, or develop drivers for target hardware; perform driver testing and validation to ensure reliable operation

Work across the full embedded stack - board design, firmware, drivers, and software - to deliver robust, efficient solutions

Solution Delivery & Customer Enablement

Develop reference designs, demos, and technical collateral showcasing Efficient's technology in real-world scenarios

Support customers throughout the development lifecycle, from initial design to final deployment

Provide field feedback to guide future product improvements and feature development

Team Leadership & Development

Mentor engineers on systems design, component selection, and customer engagement best practices

Help define engineering processes, design review standards, and documentation practices

Contribute to hiring, onboarding, and the technical growth of the teamRequired Qualifications

Bachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

8+ years in embedded systems development spanning hardware design, firmware, and software

Demonstrated ability to architect, integrate, and validate complete embedded systems across hardware and software boundaries

Hands-on rapid prototyping experience - comfortable moving from concept to working hardware quickly

Experience with multi-layer PCB design, signal integrity, power integrity, schematic capture, BOM management, and working with layout engineers

Strong understanding of SoC/processor selection, power delivery, memory architecture, and peripheral interfaces

Experience finding, adapting, or developing hardware drivers and performing driver validation

Proven track record in application engineering or customer-facing technical roles

Excellent communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences

Willingness to travel up to 30%+ of the time

Note: Certain customer assignments may require U.S. citizenshipDesired Qualifications

Experience in a prototyping lab or advanced development environment where speed and iteration are paramount

Background leading or mentoring engineers in customer-facing or cross-functional settings

Track record building reference designs, developer kits, or evaluation platforms for embedded products

Deep familiarity with thermal management, mechanical constraints, and DFM/DFA considerations

Familiarity with performance, power, and efficiency trade-offs in embedded computing

Ability to work independently in fast-moving, ambiguous environments

Competitive salary generally ranging from $160,000 to $220,000, plus meaningful equity and comprehensive benefits. Final package based on experience and location.

Why Join Efficient?

Efficient offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including 401K match, company-paid benefits, equity program, paid parental leave, and flexibility. We are committed to personal and professional development and strive to grow together as people and as a company.