Director of Hardware Engineering

** CANADIAN CANDIDATES ONLY **

SafelyYou’s passionate mission is to empower safer, more person-centered care across senior living through world-leading AI, industry-changing hardware, and remote expert clinicians, significantly improving outcomes for residents while increasing peace of mind for families and reducing costs for communities.

Originating in 2015 as the doctoral research of CEO George Netscher—and inspired by his own family's experience with Alzheimer's disease—SafelyYou was spun out of UC Berkeley’s Artificial Intelligence Research Lab, one of the top five AI research groups in the world. And today, our company is solving critical challenges in senior living, from resident falls and ER visits to staffing concerns, length of stay, and NOI. All helping ensure that communities can focus on improved care for residents while still reaching their financial goals.

SafelyYou is one of five most innovative fall technologies referenced in the Senate Falls Report (2019), a winner of the McKnight’s Tech Partner of the Year, and has been named to Fortune’s Impact 20 list, which recognizes companies making people’s lives better through innovation.

Your Role at SafelyYou

As the Director of Hardware Engineering, you will be responsible for leading the hardware design, development, and manufacturing processes for our next-generation AI-powered sensor systems. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including AI/ML engineers, software developers, product managers, and clinical experts, to ensure our devices leverage on-device AI capabilities for real-time decision-making and predictive analytics. 

This role requires a strategic leader with a deep technical background in embedded systems, AI-driven edge computing, wired/wireless connectivity, and sensor technology, as well as strong experience managing hardware development lifecycles from concept to production. 

Key Responsibilities: 

AI-Enabled Sensor Development & Innovation 

• Lead the development of IoT ambient devices with AI-powered sensors capable of real-time activity detection, identification, predictive analytics, and automated alerts 
• Oversee PCB design, embedded AI chip selection, firmware development, and hardware-software integration 
• Ensure power-efficient, scalable, and reliable device performance for continuous operation in assisted living environments 

• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing hardware engineering team
• Define and execute the hardware and AI integration roadmap, aligning with business and product goals
• Collaborate with executive leadership and product teams to drive AI-driven innovations in ambient healthcare technology 

• Work with ODM/OEM partners to ensure efficient manufacturing, quality control, and cost optimization; Conduct RFP, vendor evaluation, and selection 
• Supervise the collaborative design between suppliers and SafelyYou 
• Oversee component sourcing, supply chain resilience, and regulatory compliance (e.g. FCC, CE, UL, FDA if applicable) 
• Understand and evaluate design for manufacturability (DFM) and design for testability (DFT) best practices 

• Ensure compliance with healthcare technology regulations and safety standards
• Lead risk assessment and reliability testing for AI-powered sensor deployment in assisted living settings 
• Establish robust QA and validation processes for AI and hardware performance 

The Ideal Candidate: 

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 10+ years of experience in hardware development, with at least 5 years in a leadership role
• Proven expertise in embedded AI processing, edge computing, wired (PoE), wireless communication (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LoRa, Zigbee), and sensor integration 
• Strong understanding of low-power AI hardware, RF design, and IoT connectivity protocols
• Experience with hardware lifecycle management, from prototyping to high-volume manufacturing 
• Knowledge of medical device or assistive technology regulations is a plus 
• Experience in healthcare technology, ambient computing, or AI-powered IoT devices preferred
• Familiarity with AI frameworks for embedded systems (e.g. TensorFlow Lite, Edge Impulse, TinyML) preferred
• Strong relationships with contract manufacturers, component suppliers, and regulatory bodies preferred 
• Proficiency in Mandarin preferred with experience working with suppliers across Asia 

Why Join Us? You Can Make a Difference!

SafelyYou offers a competitive compensation package, including but not limited to:

• A mission-driven company culture
• Fully remote
• Competitive salary & benefits, including fully paid employee premiums for Medical, Dental, and Vision
• 401k Program
• Monthly Education, Well-being & WFH stipends
• Unlimited PTO
• Growth Potential
• Company Retreats
• Medical & Family/Parental Leave

At SafelyYou, we believe that a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace makes us a more relevant, competitive, and resilient company. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that celebrates diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, color, ancestry, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital or family status, disability, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
 
We value all the perspectives our team members bring to the table, and that is why we don’t look for culture fit, but culture add. We want to hear from YOU! We encourage you to apply even if you do not fit 100% of the technical requirements.