Hardware Engineer – Advanced Stealth AI Hearables

Hardware Engineer – Advanced Stealth AI Hearables

Location: Rockville, MD (On-site only)

Employment Type: Full-time

Seniority Level: Mid-Senior Level

Function: Engineering / Hardware / Product R&D

Industry: Defense / Wearables / AI

Work Authorization: U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder

About the Role

Unheard, Unseen, Unstoppable. Just as Meta’s Ray-Bans and Apple’s AirPods revolutionized the commercial hearable space, Stacato is leading the next frontier of communications for the world’s elite operators with stealth wireless hearables built to integrate next-gen AI capabilities - unleashing full freedom.

We're looking for a hardware engineer with 5+ years of experience who thrives on building compact, rugged systems, and wants to grow with a team building something that matters. Outstanding recent graduates with strong hands-on experience and technical depth may also be considered.

What You’ll Do

- Design compact, low-power PCBs integrating audio, data, sensors, and power

- Execute schematic capture, board layout, bring-up, and validation

- Solve real-world challenges: EMI/EMC, ruggedization, size, and power optimization

- Integrate components supporting voice UX and embedded AI

- Work closely with firmware, product, and Special Forces end users

What You Bring

- Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or equivalent

- 5+ years in hardware design (analog, digital, or audio systems)

- Proven experience building hearables or wearable devices

- Fluent in lab tools (oscilloscopes, analyzers)

- Mastery of Altium Designer a plus

- Experience with Bluetooth and short-range RF technologies

- Fluent in I2C, I2S, SPI, UART, USB, and power system fundamentals

- Maker/hacker mindset - you build fast, test hard, and iterate smart

Why Join Stacato?

At Stacato, you'll engineer advanced tactical hearables designed for real-world use by elite operators. This is purposeful, high-stakes work at the intersection of audio, wearables, and AI, working alongside a focused, high-performing team. Includes competitive salary, full benefits, and potential for equity based on role and contribution.