Principal Perception Hardware Engineer

Inspiren offers the most complete and connected ecosystem in senior living. Founded by Michael Wang, a former Green Beret turned cardiothoracic nurse, Inspiren proves that compassionate care and technology can coexist - bringing peace of mind to residents, families, and staff. 

Our integrated solutions seamlessly fit into existing workflows, capturing everything happening within a community. Backed by nurse specialists and powerful analytics, we provide the data operators need to make informed clinical and operational decisions - driving efficiency, profitability, and better care outcomes.

We are seeking a highly-skilled Principal Perception Hardware Engineer to own and lead the design and execution of our camera-based sensing systems and optical sub-systems for our devices. As a senior member of the hardware engineering team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the visual intelligence and reliability of our solutions. You will drive innovation in CMOS image sensors, lens optics, and Image Signal Processing (ISP), ensure the integration of cutting-edge vision technologies, and deliver perception hardware solutions that meet the highest standards of quality, low-light performance, and privacy-centric sensing across the lifecycle of all of Inspiren’s devices and platforms.

• Lead Perception Hardware Projects: Oversee the end-to-end development of camera systems, from sensor selection and optical design to ISP tuning and mass production release.
• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Work closely with computer vision (CV) scientists, ML engineers, mechanical engineers, and product managers to ensure the hardware output is perfectly tuned for our perception algorithms and clinical use cases.
• Innovate and Optimize: Stay current with industry trends in computational photography and 3D sensing. Introduce new methodologies to enhance dynamic range, reduce motion blur, and improve object detection accuracy in varied senior living environments.
• Embed Rigorous Design for Excellence (DfX) Mindset: Conduct design reviews and both design and process Failure Mode Effect Analysis (FMEA), partnering with our design and development partners to drive rigorous Design for Cost (DfC), manufacturability (DfM), and long-term reliability (DfR).
• Mentor Team Members: Provide technical guidance and mentorship, fostering a culture of technical excellence and innovation through a culture of continuous learning.
• Ensure Quality, Reliability, and Compliance: Architect characterization setups to evaluate MTF (Modular Transfer Function), color accuracy, and SNR. Ensure all vision hardware meets regulatory standards and privacy requirements (e.g., edge-processing constraints).
• Problem-Solve: Troubleshoot complex imaging issues such as stray light, sensor noise, or thermal-related focus shifts, and implement effective solutions in a timely manner.

• Educational Background: Bachelor's or Master's degree in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field (PhD preferred).
• Experience: 15+ years of experience in camera hardware development or imaging systems (Principal level seniority), with a track record of shipping high-volume products.
• Optical System Design: Deep expertise in lens specification, stray light analysis, and the physics of CMOS image sensors (CIS).
• ISP & Image Quality: Mastery of the Image Signal Processing pipeline, including auto-exposure, white balance, and noise reduction tuning for machine vision.
• Perception Integration: Proven ability to specify hardware requirements based on the needs of downstream Computer Vision and Machine Learning models.
• Simulation & Lab Tools: Proficiency in tools like Zemax, Imatest, or MATLAB for optical modeling and image quality benchmarking.
• Hardware Prototyping: Hands-on experience with flex circuit design for cameras, MIPI CSI interfaces, and active alignment manufacturing processes.
• Edge Processing Knowledge: Understanding of how hardware constraints (bandwidth, power) impact real-time perception at the edge.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex optical concepts to non-experts.
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and adapting to changing priorities.
• Start-up experience is a plus.

• The annual salary for this role is $200,000-$240,000 + equity + benefits (including medical, dental, and vision)
• Flexible PTO
• Location: Remote, US or Canada. NYC Preferred. 

At Inspiren, we are committed to fair, transparent, and equitable compensation. We know that every candidate brings a unique combination of experience, skills, and perspectives, and we take these factors into account when determining pay. While compensation may vary depending on your background, role, and location, we are proud to offer a competitive base salary and total benefits package, alongside eligibility for equity awards in the form of stock options. We believe great work deserves great rewards. Our compensation and benefits are designed to recognize your contributions and reflect the standards of leading organizations in our field.