About Synchron
Synchronโs vision is to build non-surgical brainโcomputer interfaces at global scale that protect the fundamental human rights of freedom of expression and autonomy. Our first mission is to develop motor decoders that restore the ability of 15 million people with paralysis to interact with the digital world. Our second mission is to develop whole-brain cognitive decoders that enable hundreds of millions of people with cognitive decline to preserve and expand their agency as cognition changes over time. In pursuing these goals, we aim not only to help humans flourish, but also to drive fundamental discoveries in human intelligence. Our team operates at the intersection of healthcare and technology, translating breakthrough research into real-world, safety-critical systems.
Senior R & D Engineer, Electrical Engineering
Implantable Neuroelectronics Team (IRTU)
Location: San Diego, CA (On-site)
Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
We are seeking a R&D Electrical Engineer to own the electrical and electronic hardware design of Synchronโs implantable devices. This individual will serve as the engineering authority for the implantโs electrical architecture - spanning neural front-end acquisition, mixed-signal ASIC integration, power management, RF telemetry, and PCB/flex-circuit design - with accountability from concept through design verification.
This is a hands-on, technically deep role with significant cross-functional visibility. The successful candidate must be equally comfortable reviewing schematic details and defining system-level electrical architecture as the program moves through typical development phases.
Key
ResponsibilitiesElectrical Architecture & Circuit Design
โข Own the end-to-end electrical architecture of the implant, including neural acquisition front end, mixed-signal processing, power regulation, and RF telemetry subsystems
โข Lead schematic design, component selection, and circuit simulation for ultra-low-power implantable electronics
โข Define electrical interface specifications and performance budgets across the implant system (power, noise, bandwidth, data throughput)
โข Drive ASIC integration and co-design with silicon partners, defining specifications, test plans, and bring-up procedures
PCB & Flex-Circuit Development
โข Lead design of miniaturized, high-density PCB and flex-rigid circuit assemblies suitable for chronic implantation
โข Manage layout reviews, signal integrity analysis, and design-for-manufacturing constraints at implant scale
โข Coordinate with mechanical engineering on board-level integration within hermetically sealed enclosures
Power Management & RF Telemetry
โข Architect power delivery and energy harvesting/storage strategies for long-duration implant operation
โข Design and optimize wireless communication links (custom RF, BLE, or inductive) under biological tissue constraints
โข Establish power budgets and duty-cycling strategies that balance neural data throughput against implant longevity
Verification, Test & Reliability
โข Define and execute electrical verification and validation test plans aligned with design control requirements
โข Lead bench-level characterization, environmental testing, and EMC/EMI assessment of implant electronics
โข Own failure analysis and root-cause investigation for electrical anomalies across prototype and production builds
โข Establish design-for-reliability practices including derating analysis, accelerated life testing, and worst-case circuit analysis
Regulatory & Design Controls
โข Serve as electrical engineering lead within the design controls framework (IEC 60601, IEC 62304)
โข Author and maintain electrical design inputs, risk analyses (per ISO 14971), and verification/validation protocols
โข Support regulatory submissions with electrical test reports, design rationale, and traceability documentation
Cross-Functional Collaboration
โข Partner closely with firmware, mechanical, and systems engineers to co-optimize the implant across all domains
โข Collaborate with the wider R&D team on neural interface electrical requirements and signal quality
โข Work with contract manufacturers and test houses to transfer designs into scalable production
Required Qualifications
โข Bachelorโs degree in electrical engineering or a related discipline
โข 8+ years of experience in analog/mixed-signal hardware design for miniaturized, high-reliability electronic systems
โข Deep expertise in low-noise neural or bioelectric front-end design, including amplifier chains, ADC interfacing, and filtering
โข Strong PCB and flex-circuit design experience with high-density, space-constrained layouts
โข Proficiency with EDA tools (Altium, Cadence, or equivalent) and circuit simulation
โข Hands-on experience bringing electronic subsystems from prototype through design verification into production
Preferred Qualifications
โข Active implantable medical device experience (e.g., neurostimulators, cochlear implants, cardiac rhythm devices)
โข ASIC integration or co-design experience, including specification development and silicon bring-up
โข RF or wireless telemetry design for implantable or body-worn devices
โข Familiarity with ISO 14708, IEC 60601, and FDA guidance for implantable electronics
โข Experience supporting regulatory submissions (IDE, PMA, or 510(k)) with electrical design evidence
โข Background in power management for energy-constrained, long-life implantable systems
Compensation
The base salary range for this role is $140,000 โ $200,000 depending on experience, skills, and qualifications.
In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for discretionary bonuses and/or equity grants, subject to board approval and company policy.
Visa Sponsorship
We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position at this time.
Benefits (for W-2, full-time, exempt employees in the US only) ***Intern positions not eligible
- Subsidized medical and dental insurance coverage for you and your dependent(s)
- Life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability
- 401k
- Discretionary unlimited PTO
- Flexible Spending Account for you and your dependent(s), with eligible plan elections
- Commuter benefits for NY employees
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)
Synchron is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants and provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know.
Join Us
At Synchron, you will be part of a transformative mission and you will work alongside driven people who believe in the power of collaboration and innovation to make a lasting impact. If you are excited to stretch your skills and contribute to something meaningful, apply and now and build the future with us.