Principal Hardware Engineer / Director of Hardware

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionAbout ArableAt Arable, our goal is to connect all the world’s farms to help optimize the global food system. This is an ambitious goal, but the need has never been greater to rethink how we will feed an ever-growing population while reducing our impact on natural resources. We believe the heart of the solution is digitizing the analog world with high-fidelity data to help food producers optimize their operations.We hope the impact of our work will improve the lives of farmers everywhere and contribute meaningfully to securing the global food supply for decades to come.Examples of Our Work:- Helping farmers maximize ROI through precision irrigation and data-driven water management.- Supporting leading agricultural and technology partners in meeting sustainability and climate resilience goals.- Equipping growers with the insights needed to improve decision-making, reduce waste, and enhance yields across diverse cropping systems.The RoleWe are seeking a senior hardware leader to spearhead the development of our hardware ecosystem, including the Arable Mark 3 and future sensing platforms.This pivotal role will shape the future of our sensing platforms while ensuring exceptional agricultural technology solutions worldwide.What You Will Do:Lead hardware engineering throughout product lifecycle from concept to productionManage domestic and offshore manufacturing operationsOversee and validate ODM designs to meet Arable’s quality standardsDevelop technical documentation for designs, testing, and supportLead prototyping efforts for new hardware products and featuresParticipate in product validation and testing with QA teamsCollaborate with product management, software, operations, and customer successManage key vendor relationships and component selectionCoordinate bug tracking and resolution for hardware issuesSupport manufacturing test fixtures and processesProvide technical leadership and mentorship, helping to influence technology direction and build long-term organizational capabilityWhat you bring:Required:Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field6+ years of hardware engineering experience with full PCB design lifecycleProficiency with schematic capture, PCB layout, and board bring-up, and lab equipmentKnowledge of regulatory testing (FCC, CE) and NPI processesStrong analytical and problem-solving abilitiesSelf-starter who works well in fast-paced environmentsExcellent communication and organizational skills PreferredAdvanced technical degree8+ years bringing multiple hardware products to mass productionExperience managing or collaborating with offshore teamsKnowledge of C programming for embedded systemsWireless product design (WiFi, BLE, cellular) and/or RTOS experienceBackground in agricultural or environmental sensor technologyPrior experience building and leading engineering initiatives, teams, or processesExpertise in low-power system design, particularly for solar-powered and battery-powered devicesQualities for Success:Passion for Sustainability: Care deeply about global food systems and environmental impactStartup Mindset: Thrive in fast-paced environments with multiple responsibilitiesTechnical Leadership: Ownership of projects and influence on technology roadmapCross-Functional Collaboration: Effective communication across different teamsResourcefulness: Design cost-effective solutions and troubleshoot in fieldAdaptability: Stay current with emerging technologies and navigate new challengesLeadership Potential: Ability to inspire, mentor, and elevate peers and partnersWhat We OfferAt Arable, you will be joining a company of dedicated team players who bring together diverse expertise and a passion for building a more sustainable future.

You’ll find no shortage of lively conversation around the lunch table about the food we eat and how it is produced. We are a fast-moving startup committed to providing a rewarding employee experience through the work we do, the team, compensation, and benefits, including:Excellent medical, dental, vision, life, disability benefits, and a 401k ProgramAbility to work closely with customers who are hungry for our product and where we can make a positive impact on their livelihood and the worldA focus on community involvement and career developmentWe are an equal-opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses.

These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.