OpenCycle Technologies Inc.
Hardware Lead
Description
Why Join OpenCycle Technologies Inc.?
- Be part of a company that is actively evolving the industry by integrating field expertise with advanced digital tools.
- Gain hands-on experience and develop specialized skills in a growing, high-impact field.
- Work on meaningful projects that help solve real-world environmental and regulatory challenges.
- Contribute to a company that is expanding the types of problems it can solve, unlocking new opportunities for innovation.
Job Summary
OpenCycle Technologies is seeking a Hardware Lead to guide the prototyping, testing, and deployment of acoustic sensor hub hardware as part of our Acoustic Multi-Sensor IoT System. The ideal candidate has a strong foundation in embedded systems, sensor integration, and field-grade hardware design, and is excited to develop scalable hardware solutions in a collaborative, research-oriented environment.
This role is essential to OpenCycle’s R&D program, focusing on hardware development for field-ready, intrinsically safe, and energy-efficient IoT sensor systems capable of real-time data capture, wireless communication (e.g., LoRa), and robust field deployment.
Reports To: Data Validation Lead
Travel Requirements: Periodic travel to test sites and fabricator facilities (~10–15%)
Key Performance Indicators
- Timely delivery of hardware prototypes and revisions
- Power efficiency benchmarks achieved
- Field deployment readiness and environmental resilience
- Compliance with safety and regulatory standards
- Successful integration with software and sensor systems
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the selection, procurement, and validation of electronic components and embedded platforms.
- Collaborate with fabricators to design and produce intrinsically safe enclosures.
- Conduct bench and field testing for hardware reliability under extreme environmental conditions.
- Design and test LoRa-based communication systems for multi-node mesh networking.
- Evaluate and optimize power supply systems including solar and battery configurations.
- Manage and mitigate scenarios of data, connectivity, or power loss.
- Coordinate with software teams to ensure seamless integration with the OpenCycle platform.
- Maintain documentation, design schematics, and version histories of hardware systems.
- Support prototype deployments and iterate based on field feedback.
Key Skills
- Embedded systems design and debugging
- Experience with IoT protocols (e.g., LoRa, MQTT) and sensor interfacing
- Strong understanding of battery systems, energy harvesting, and power optimization
- Familiarity with hardware safety certifications and rugged design for field environments
- Proficiency in schematic design tools (e.g., Altium, KiCad)
- Ability to troubleshoot communication failures and power issues in real-world settings
- Effective communication and collaboration across cross-functional teams
- Ability to document design decisions and validation procedures
Qualifications
- 0 - 3+ years of experience in embedded hardware development, preferably for IoT or environmental systems
- Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Mechatronics, or related field
- Experience working with fabricators and third-party hardware vendors
- Prior work on intrinsically safe designs is an asset
- Experience with acoustic or environmental sensing systems is preferred
- Hands-on prototyping experience (PCB assembly, testing, enclosure integration)
- Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to field electronics (CSA/ATEX is an asset)
Benefits
- Casual dress
- Dental and vision care
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
- Employee stock purchase plan
Disclaimer
This job description reflects the core responsibilities and expectations for the Hardware Lead role but is not an exhaustive list. Duties may evolve based on project demands and company strategy. OpenCycle is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion across our team.
Compensation
$5,500.00 - $6,600.00 per month