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.