Engineering Manager – Drive Firmware Innovation for Next-Gen Wireless SoCs

📍 On‑site – West Lafayette, IN | Competitive Salary + Equity + Bonus

✈️ We provide relocation packages and visa transfers (if required) for engineers currently in the San Francisco Bay Area and other U.S. hubs.

🚀 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.

💡 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: Visit ixana.ai for demos of high-speed data streaming through skin contact: https://vimeo.com/ixana/pairing-contact-transfer

What You’ll Do

• Oversee the full firmware development lifecycle for Wi-R-powered wearable devices

• Mentor and manage a high-performance team of embedded software engineers

• Design and refine firmware processes for protocol stacks, SoC integration, and board bring-up

• Coordinate between hardware, software, and product teams to align on architecture and timelines

• Lead firmware-hardware co-development across MAC/PHY layers and wireless systems

• Own delivery of project plans, resource allocation, and execution strategy

What We're Looking For

Required:

• Proven track record leading teams in wireless SoC firmware development

• 3+ years of experience managing embedded software teams

• 5+ years of hands-on experience in embedded firmware design

• Deep knowledge of embedded software fundamentals, concurrency, and RTOS environments

• Familiarity with wireless protocols like WiFi and Bluetooth

Preferred:

• Experience managing geographically distributed or cross-functional teams

• Strong understanding of low-level hardware interfaces and register-level programming

• Familiarity with MAC/PHY layer design, coexistence challenges, and compliance regulations

• Exceptional collaboration and technical leadership skills

💰 Compensation & Benefits

• Base salary: Competitive based on experience — equivalent to ≈ Bay‑Area purchasing power
• Equity: Early-stage grant aligned with your impact and leadership
• Cash Bonus: Annual performance bonus based on team milestones
• Relocation bonus, partner job-search assistance
• Full visa sponsorship (STEM‑OPT transfer / H‑1B / TN / future green card)
• Medical, dental, vision, 401(k), generous PTO, inventor cash awards

🌟 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

📍 Location
West Lafayette, IN — Based at our HQ near Purdue University. Relocation and local area orientation provided.

📢 Application Requirements

• Resume

• Portfolio (if applicable)

• Summary of your team leadership in embedded/wireless firmware (1 paragraph or link)

Ready to re‑wire the future of human-computer interaction?

Apply via our careers page. In your note, tell us how you envision using Wi‑R to transform everyday experiences—across healthcare, industry, or consumer tech.

Ixana is an equal opportunity employer committed to advancing human-computer interfaces through innovative low-power electronics innovation.

Keywords:
Firmware, Wireless SoC, WiFi, Bluetooth, Embedded Systems, Real-Time OS, MAC/PHY Layer, Protocol Design, Low Power, Team Leadership, Wi-R, Startup, Equity