Staff Hardware Engineer

About Life360

Life360’s mission is to keep people close to the ones they love. Our category-leading mobile app and Tile tracking devices empower members to protect the people, pets, and things they care about most with a range of services, including location sharing, safe driver reports, and crash detection with emergency dispatch. Life360 serves approximately 66 million monthly active users (MAU) across more than 150 countries.

Life360 delivers peace of mind and enhances everyday family life with seamless coordination for all the moments that matter, big and small. By continuing to innovate and deliver for our customers, we have become a household name and the must-have mobile-based membership for families (and those friends that basically are family).

Life360 has more than 500 (and growing!) remote-first employees. For more information, please visit life360.com.

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 
• Be prepared to travel domestically and internationally, to manufacturing sites across Asia and South America, for up to 20% of the time, to support project needs and collaborate with global teams.
• 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

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years of product experience in electrical, systems or computer engineering
• BS in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering other related technical field or equivalent industry experience 
• Experience with architecture and systems engineering across electrical, firmware, audio, RF and power systems within battery powered electronics
• Deep experience with consumer electronics, hardware product development,  manufacturing processes, schematic capture and layout tools

Our Benefits

• Competitive pay and benefits
• Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance plans (100% paid for employees)
• 401(k) plan with company matching program
• Mental Wellness Program & Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental well being
• Flexible PTO, 13 company wide days off throughout the year
• Winter and Summer Week-long Synchronized Company Shutdowns
• Learning & Development programs
• Equipment, tools, and reimbursement support for a productive remote environment
• Free Life360 Platinum Membership for your preferred circle
• Free Tile Products

Life360 Values

Our company’s mission driven culture is guided by our shared values to create a trusted work environment where you can bring your authentic self to work and make a positive difference 

• Be a Good Person - We have a team of high integrity people you can trust. 
• Be Direct With Respect - We communicate directly, even when it’s hard.
• Members Before Metrics - We focus on building an exceptional experience for families. 
• High Intensity, High Impact - We do whatever it takes to get the job done. 

Our Commitment to Diversity

We believe that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better results. Together, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. It fuels our innovation and connects us closer to our customers and the communities we serve. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their authentic best selves to work.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at Life360. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any legally protected status.  

We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply. We believe that a diversity of perspectives and experiences create a foundation for the best ideas. Come join us in building something meaningful. Even if you don’t meet 100% of the below qualifications, you should still seriously consider applying!

#LI-Remote

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