Staff Hardware Engineer

About Life360

Life360’s mission is to keep people close to the ones they love. We help families protect the people, pets, and things they care about with our industry-leading mobile app and category-defining Tile tracking devices. Life360 has more than 61+ million monthly active users (MAU) in more than 150 countries. 

Bringing together our highly successful mobile app with innovative devices, we have the opportunity to do unprecedented good for families across free and paid plans. Key features include location sharing, lost item reimbursement, driver monitoring, 24/7 roadside assistance, and crash detection with emergency response. By continuing to innovate and deliver for our customers, we aim to become a household name and establish ourselves as the must-have mobile-based membership for families of all stages. Life360 has more than 500 (and growing!) remote-first employees.

About the Job

Are you ready to lead the charge in shaping the future of tracking technologies? At Life360, we're seeking a skilled Hardware Systems Architect to spearhead the architecture of our next-generation tracking products. In this pivotal role, you'll not only lead architectural initiatives but also drive comprehensive planning and execution strategies. As a key member of our team, you'll collaborate closely with talented individuals to design, construct, and test prototypes; paving the way for groundbreaking tracking experiences.

The Hardware Systems Architect will spearhead the definition and integration of intricate sub-systems. This pivotal role necessitates adept technical communication with cross-functional teams spanning mechanical engineering, industrial design, hardware engineering, embedded systems, supply chain, and product management groups. You'll be instrumental in incubating new technologies, guiding them from back of a napkin ideas to proof of concept to seamless integration into products for mass production.

Expertise in consumer electronics and comprehensive system understanding across the stack are essential for success in this role. A strong foundation in electrical engineering, computer science, semiconductors, or related fields provides the ideal starting point. We're seeking a candidate with a distinctive blend of skills, someone who embodies the qualities of a seasoned system designer or architect.

The US-based salary range for this position is $170,000 to $235,000. We take into consideration an individual's background and experience in determining final salary- therefore, base pay offered may vary considerably depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The compensation package includes a wide range of medical, dental, vision, financial, and other benefits, as well as equity.

What You’ll Do

• The role requires the engineer to be in the San Mateo office 3+ days a week at a minimum 
• System Architecture Ownership: Take charge of system architectures covering RF/Modem, GPS, WiFi, BLE, Power, Sensors, Battery Management and overall system design from inception through prototyping, product development, and production ramp.
• Utilize hands-on experience in prototype bring-up, debugging, functional verification, and provide manufacturing support. Demonstrate innovative thinking and critical troubleshooting skills.
• Architect, optimize and validate the system current drain to achieve best in class performance with respect to battery usage.
• Proven proficiency in PCB design, leading schematic and layout design, conducting reviews, and applying industry best practices to release final design packages for manufacturing on Cadence toolchain.
• Lead product architecture discussions, communicate trade-offs, program concerns, and provide technical direction, with a particular focus on meeting program timelines.
• Drive the technical scoping and development of new technologies and features to deliver groundbreaking user experiences to help collaborate on and influence the roadmap of future products
• Articulate technology and product strategy effectively to both internal and external stakeholders, ensuring alignment and understanding.
• Collaborate with management and cross-functional teams on long-term technology investments, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Navigate compliance requirements such as FCC, ETSI, EMC, safety, and environmental engineering to ensure adherence to industry standards.
• Mentor junior engineers, imparting best practices and institutionalizing efficient processes to foster growth and innovation within the team
• Be prepared to travel domestically and internationally, up to 20% of the time, to support project needs and collaborate with global teams.

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years of product experience in electrical, systems or computer engineering
• BS in El