Push wearable hardware to its limits—Test, break, and perfect the next era of human-computer interaction

📍 On‑site – West Lafayette, IN | 💵 Base $75k – $100k (≈ $145 k – $190 k Bay‑Area equivalent after cost‑of‑living) + equity + full benefits

✈️ 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

🎯 The Role: Hardware Test Engineer
Own the testing and validation pipeline for our bleeding-edge wearable prototypes—run experiments, break boards, and help shape the next Wi-R device rev.

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

• Base salary $75 000 – $100 000 USD ‑ equivalent to ≈ $145 k – $190 k Bay‑Area purchasing power
• Meaningful early‑stage equity
• Relocation bonus, partner job‑search help

💵 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.

Benefits Package:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) retirement plan

• 5 days a week in office. 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 as long as you are already in US on a work permit

• Full visa sponsorship (STEM‑OPT transfer / H‑1B / TN / future green card)

🌟 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 – On-site at our R&D Center

📢 Application Requirements

• Resume

• Portfolio of hardware testing or rework projects (if applicable)

• A brief summary of a board-level bug or test scenario you’ve solved (optional but encouraged)

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:
Hardware Test, PCB Rework, Micro-Soldering, Oscilloscope, SMT, IoT, Wearables, Debugging, Wi-R, Startup, Root Cause Analysis