Makani Science is a medical device startup looking to reinvent respiratory monitoring. We're a small close-knit team looking to take our novel respiratory monitor through FDA clearance and to product launch.

Hardware Engineer – Wearable Medical Devices

About Makani Science

Makani Science is reimagining how we monitor respiratory health with our novel sensor technology. Our wireless wearable system has been FDA cleared and is designed to deliver clinical-grade insights. We've received interest from world-class institutions like UCSF and Children’s Hospital of Orange County, and now we're growing our team to take our platform to the next level.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re hiring a hardware engineer who’s willing to roll up their sleeves and take the current device to commercialization and develop future prototypes. You should be curious, collaborative, and ready to work across disciplines. This is a great opportunity for an early-career engineer who wants to do meaningful work, learn quickly, and contribute directly to the development of an FDA-regulated medical device.

This is a full-time, hands-on role ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, resourceful startup environment where you’ll wear many hats, learn from experienced engineers, and have your work move from concept to clinic.

This position is located in Irvine, California.

We are not able to sponsor visas or provide relocation perks.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, prototype, and iterate compact custom PCBs for wearable medical applications
• Integrate biosensors (e.g., strain sensors, pulse oximetry) into flexible, wearable systems
• Collaborate on system-level architecture including wireless comms, power management, and analog/digital integration
• Support test and validation of electronics in both lab and clinical-like environments
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders and consultants during product development and manufacturing
• Assist with documentation and developing test protocols and reports as required by QMS and regulatory processes
• Help transition designs from prototype to scalable manufacturing
• Troubleshoot hardware issues using lab equipment (oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, etc.)
• Create and maintain hardware schematics and PCB layouts using industry standard EDA tools

Minimum Qualifications

• Applicants must be U.S. persons as defined by these regulations (U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident, or protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C)
• B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, or related field
• 1–3 years of experience designing electronic boards and schematic drawings through academic projects, internships, or professional work
• Familiarity with PCB schematic capture and layout (e.g., Altium, KiCad, Autodesk)
• Knowledge of embedded system design and low-power electronics
• Comfortable using lab equipment (oscilloscope, multimeter, logic analyzer) for testing, debugging and validation
• Passion for healthcare innovation and eagerness to grow in a startup environment

Nice-to-Have

• Experience with wearable electronics
• Background in materials science and polymers
• Familiarity with optical sensing and pulse oximetry principles
• Familiarity with IOT sensors, IMUs and their applications in wellness and health monitoring devices
• Understanding of medical device regulations (ISO 13485, IEC 60601, etc.)
• Hands-on experience with rapid prototyping tools (e.g., 3D printing, laser cutting)

What We Offer

A chance to make a real difference in patients' lives

Direct mentorship from experienced engineers and scientists

Opportunity to take ownership of meaningful projects early in your career

Flexible work environment with potential for hybrid work

401(K) Plan, Employee Stock Options, Holidays and Personal Time off, Medical Benefits

The current gold standards for monitoring patient breathing are incredibly inaccurate and cumbersome. Makani Science has developed the first wearable and wireless respiratory monitor that can measure both rate and depth of breathing.

We use a novel sensor, originally developed in a university lab, that allows us to accurately track patient breathing using a small wearable patch. This will enable better respiratory monitoring, improving patient safety in and out of hospitals.