Hardware Engineer - US-Based

About Toptal

Toptal is a global network of top talent in business, design, and technology that enables companies to scale their teams, on-demand. With $200+ million in annual revenue and team members based around the globe, Toptal is the world’s largest fully remote workforce.

We take the best elements of virtual teams and combine them with a support structure that encourages innovation, social interaction, and fun. We see no borders, move at a fast pace, and are never afraid to break the mold.

Job Summary:

We are building a new class of consumer hardware—a product that will fundamentally change how people experience and interact with their living spaces. We’re in stealth mode for now, but the ambition is large, the opportunity is massive, and the early team will define the future of the company.

We are building a radically new class of consumer and built-environment hardware. As one of our first hardware engineers, you’ll own the design, development, and integration of the core physical system that brings our vision to life. This is a hands-on, zero-to-one engineering role where you will prototype quickly, iterate relentlessly, and help define the product architecture from the ground up.

Applicants are required to reside in New York or be willing to relocate there. We do not offer visa sponsorship or assistance, so applicants must already be authorized to work in the US at the time of hire. Resumes and communication must be submitted in English.

Responsibilities:

The following information is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or required skills.

- Lead electrical design for our first-generation product.
- Develop system-level architecture across sensors, actuators, power delivery, and control electronics.
- Rapid prototyping: PCB bring-up, bench testing, reliability, and thermal testing.
- Work closely with firmware, materials, ID, and manufacturing on integration.
- Evaluate suppliers and manufacturing partners.
- Help build internal hardware lab and testing capabilities.

Qualifications and Job Requirements:

- Bachelor’s degree is required.
- 5-8+ years in hardware engineering, mechatronics, consumer electronics, or IoT.
- Experience with PCB design (Altium, KiCad), embedded systems, and electromechanical integration.
- Strong with power electronics, analog/digital design, and DFM/DFT.
- Comfortable working in ambiguity and building fast in early-stage environments.
- Passionate about designing products that blend engineering, elegance, and everyday usability.
- Experience with thin-film electronics, smart materials, optical systems, or high-voltage drivers.
- Prior startup or zero-to-one hardware launch experience.
- Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced, rapidly growing company and handle a wide variety of challenges, deadlines, and a diverse array of contacts.
- You must be a world-class individual contributor to thrive at Toptal. You will not be here just to tell other people what to do.

Essential Job Functions
Regularly and reliably attend scheduled virtual team meetings on camera.
Work independently with minimal supervision.
Use all required digital collaboration tools.
Prioritize and self-manage workflows and deadlines.

US FLSA Classification: Full-Time/Exempt