Build the silicon brain of the next computing era | VP of Engineering, IC Design | Lead chip teams at Ixana

🚀 About Ixana
Ixana is a Purdue University spinoff developing brain-inspired wearable computing. We've developed Wi-R, a patented wireless communication technology that uses 100x less energy than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi—streaming high-speed data through an E-field bubble around the body. Our 60-person team is pioneering the first real-time body-area-network platform for wearables, neural sensors, and more.

💡 The Wi-R Revolution
Wi-R enables ultra-low-power, high-bandwidth communication through electric fields instead of radiating RF—making it ideal for body-worn devices. Imagine transferring data through a touch or enabling real-time sensing without battery drain.

See Wi-R in action: ixana.ai or watch this demo: Contact Transfer with a Tap

🎯 The Role: VP Engineering, IC Design
We're looking for a visionary leader to build and scale our silicon design organization. You’ll drive innovation, set the technical roadmap, and lead the design and delivery of our Wi-R chips. This role is critical as we expand Wi-R into commercial wearables, neural interfaces, and high-impact edge AI devices.

🛠 What You’ll Do

• Lead and grow a world-class IC design team across analog, mixed-signal, RF, and digital domains

• Own the end-to-end chip lifecycle—from concept to GDSII to bring-up and production

• Set architectural direction and technical standards across IC design projects

• Work cross-functionally with hardware, firmware, and product teams to translate chip performance into real-world applications

• Guide vendor/EDA tool engagement, IP integration, and tapeout execution

• Hire, mentor, and retain exceptional engineering talent

• Represent engineering in executive strategy discussions and technical partnerships

✅ What We’re Looking For

Required:

• 10–20 years of experience in analog and mixed-signal IC design

• Demonstrated leadership in taking chips from first spec to high-yield production

• Deep expertise in design for low-power, wireless, or wearable applications

• Experience leading and scaling high-performance engineering teams

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to solving engineering challenges

Preferred:

• Tapeout experience in startups or product-first environments

• Familiarity with system-level design and integration (including firmware/hardware co-design)

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

• A track record of mentorship and team development

🌍 Why Ixana?

• Work on once-in-a-decade tech: ultra-efficient, body-centric communication

• Lead IC engineering at a company where your designs will ship quickly and globally

• Collaborate with pioneers in wireless, chip, and embedded system design

• Build a legacy team and define a new category of computing

📍 Location
West Lafayette, IN — On-site at our core R&D and chip design facility
(We offer relocation packages for strong candidates.)

Ready to Build the Future?

Apply now with your resume and a summary of the defense partnerships or acquisitions you've led. Include a brief note on why you’re excited to lead defense strategy at Ixana.

Keywords:
Semiconductor, RF, Low Power, Wi-R, Startup