Senior Engineer - Embedded Hardware, Power & Safety

About Origin

Origin (previously 10xConstruction) is building general-purpose autonomous robots for US construction to tackle rising costs, safety risks, and labour shortages. Our modular, multi-trade platform combines purpose-built hardware with real-time site intelligence to navigate complex environments and execute tasks with precision. Trained in high-fidelity simulation and already deployed on live sites, our robots deliver 5x faster execution, 250%+ margin expansion, and significant cost savings. Join India’s most talent-dense robotics team consisting of individuals from IITs, Stanford, UCLA, etc.

About the role

As a Senior Embedded Hardware and Power Engineer, you will take full ownership of major electrical subsystems within the robot. You will be responsible for designing complex, multi-layer PCBs, managing high-power distribution, and ensuring that our electrical systems can survive the extreme vibrations, dust, and thermal loads of a construction site. You are expected to independently solve difficult EMI issues, optimize power efficiency, and design robust testing infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

Power & PCB Design:

• Own the design and layout of critical custom PCBs, including Power Distribution Boards (PDBs), motor controller interfaces, and sensor breakout boards.
• Design and implement robust power conversion circuits (Buck, Boost, Flyback) and manage thermal dissipation for high-current traces.
• Design and document complex wire harnesses, ensuring adequate shielding and strain relief.

Testing, Validation & HIL:

• Architect and build advanced Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) test benches, including developing plant models, to rigorously validate embedded boards and power systems before integration.
• Lead EMI/EMC pre-compliance testing in the lab, using spectrum analyzers and near-field probes to diagnose and resolve noise issues.
• Write low-level "bring-up scripts" in C/Python to validate new board spins.

Hardware Defined Safety:

• Design and implement redundant hardware safety circuits on custom PCBs. Route and galvanically isolate critical error flags and interlock signals between high-voltage motor controllers, battery management systems, and the main compute unit to guarantee deterministic, microsecond-level fault reactions (e.g., hardware-triggered safe-torque-off).

Manufacturing Integration:

• Work directly with PCB fabricators and assembly houses to ensure design-for-manufacturing (DFM) and design-for-testing (DFT).

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical/Electronics Engineering.
• 4-8 years of professional experience in designing mixed-signal and high-power PCBs.
• Expert proficiency in Altium Designer (or similar enterprise ECAD tool).
• Strong background in power electronics and battery management systems (BMS).
• Hands-on expertise with oscilloscopes, electronic loads, spectrum analyzers, and soldering SMD components (down to 0402/0201).
• Proven experience designing and implementing HIL testing infrastructure.
• Experience writing basic firmware (C/C++) for hardware validation.

Preferred Experiences

• Experience bringing a hardware product from prototype to mass production.
• Deep knowledge of power systems and architectures.

• Gain experience in a dynamic startup environment at the forefront of robotics and AI innovation.
• Contribute to the development of technology that will revolutionize the construction industry.
• Work alongside a talented and passionate team committed to making a real-world impact.
• Learn from experienced professionals and gain valuable skills in robotics software engineering.
• Gain practical experience in a real-world engineering environment.
• Contribute to a project with the potential to make a significant impact on the construction industry.