Hardware Engineer

Location

San Francisco, California

Employment Type

Full time

Location Type

Hybrid

Department

Operations

Compensation

$122K – $128K

• Offers Equity

Help us tackle the growing wildfire crisis with the latest advancements in AI and IoT

Who we are

The problem :

Every minute matters in fire response. As climate change amplifies the intensity of wildfires—with longer fire seasons, dryer fuels, and faster winds—new ignitions spread faster and put more communities at risk. Today, most wildfires are detected by bystanders and reported via 911, meaning it can take hours to detect a fire, verify its exact location and size, and dispatch first responders. Fire authorities need a faster way to detect, confirm, and pinpoint fires so that they can quickly respond—preventing small flare-ups from becoming devastating infernos.

About Pano :

We are a 100+ person growth-stage hybrid-remote start-up, headquartered in San Francisco. We are the leader in early wildfire detection and intelligence, helping fire professionals respond to fires faster and more safely—with the right equipment, timely information, and enhanced coordination—so that they can stop a new ignition before it grows. Pano AI combines advanced hardware, software, and artificial intelligence into an easy-to-use, web-based platform. Leveraging a network of ultra-high-definition, 360-degree cameras atop high vista points, as well as satellite and other data feeds, Pano AI produces a real-time picture of threats in a geographic region and delivers immediate, actionable intelligence.

Pano AI is on TIME's list of the 100 Most Influential Companies of 2025! MIT Technology Review listed Pano as one of the top 15 climate tech companies to watch in 2024, and Fast Company named Pano AI one of the Top 10 most innovative companies in AI of 2023. We’ve also been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and CNBC News. Pano AI’s dozens of government and enterprise customers span 16 states in the U.S., five states in Australia, and BC, Canada, and we are currently monitoring over 30 million acres of land. Pano AI has raised $89M in venture capital funding from Giant Ventures, Liberty Mutual Ventures, Tokio Marine Future Fund, Congruent Ventures, Initialized Capital, Salesforce Ventures, and T-Mobile Ventures. Learn more at https : / / www.pano.ai / .

The Role

Pano is searching for its first full time Hardware Engineer to support the design, development, and testing of our next-generation Pano products deployed across the United States, Canada and Australia. You will be a versatile problem-solver, comfortable working across mechanical and electrical disciplines in a fast-paced, hands-on environment.

Reporting to the Manager of NPI, you will contribute to the full product lifecycle from concept through production, gaining broad exposure to hardware engineering while working on meaningful technology that protects communities from wildfire. This is an opportunity to build foundational engineering skills in a successful, mission-driven startup environment.

Responsibilities

Design and develop mechanical components and assemblies for Pano Stations, including CAD modeling, tolerance analysis, and design for manufacturing (DFM).

Support electrical testing, validation, and debugging activities including running test procedures, troubleshooting circuits, and collecting performance data.

Build and assemble prototypes, conduct hands-on testing, and iterate on designs based on test results and field feedback.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Electrical Engineering, Firmware, Supply Chain, Field Operations, and Manufacturing to integrate mechanical and electrical subsystems.

Create and maintain technical documentation including test reports, assembly instructions, design specifications, and design validation plans.

Support NPI (New Product Introduction) builds and PRQ (Post Ramp Qual) efforts, including build readiness activities and material validation.

Assist with vendor selection, component sourcing, and manufacturing support activities to enable successful production ramps.

Participate in design reviews and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives across hardware development processes.

Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed (0 to 20% at times).

Qualifications & Experience

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, or related engineering discipline required.

0-2 years of professional experience in hardware development.

Proficiency with CAD software (SolidWorks, Creo, or similar).

Basic understanding of electrical circuits and ability to read schematics.

Hands-on experience with prototyping, testing equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies), and debugging.

Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail and ability to work independently.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to explain technical concepts clearly.

Ability to work as part of a geographically dispersed team, across multiple time zones.

Experience using collaboration tools such as Jira, Confluence, or similar.

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Nice to have

Coursework or project experience in electrical engineering, electronics, or circuit design.

Familiarity with embedded systems, sensors, or electromechanical products.

Experience with finite element analysis (FEA) or thermal simulation tools.

Knowledge of manufacturing processes (injection molding, sheet metal, PCB assembly).

Exposure to design validation, reliability testing, and environmental testing methods.

Programming or scripting experience (Python, MATLAB, etc.).

Experience working in fast-paced startup or NPI environments.

The final salary offer depends on a variety of factors, including an individual’s job-related qualifications, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and location. In addition to base salary, this position is eligible for stock options. We also provide comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, a matching 401(k) plan, and unlimited paid time off.

Compensation Range : $122K - $128K

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