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Kela is a defense technology startup developing next-generation command & control software and field-deployed systems that empower defense organizations with robust, scalable, and secure platforms. These platforms integrate diverse sensors and AI to deliver real-time battlefield intelligence.
As a Hardware Engineer, you will own the complete board design lifecycle for ruggedized electronics deployed in military vehicles and field systems. This is a hands-on role spanning architecture, schematic design, PCB layout, fabrication and assembly coordination, bench bring-up, qualification testing, and transition to serial production.
Key responsibilities include:
- End-to-end board design ownership: from architecture through fab handoff and field deployment
- Design of power stages for military vehicle power systems, including DC/DC conversion, input protection, and transient survival circuits
- EMI/EMC filtering and grounding design to MIL-STD requirements
- Discrete-signal and interlock circuit design, including safety-critical interfaces
- Component selection for harsh environments, considering availability and lead time; BOM ownership
- Board-level lab testing: bring-up, pre-compliance testing, environmental screening
- Qualification path ownership (MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-1275, MIL-STD-810) in coordination with external labs
- Oversight of subcontracted board designers and review of their deliverables
- Support for serial production transition: design for manufacturability, test coverage, first-article inspection
You will work closely with systems, mechanical, and software teams to integrate your designs into complete fielded systems.
Requirements:
- 7+ years of hands-on board design experience (schematic and layout) in leading companies
- BSc in Electrical Engineering
- Proven track record: boards you designed have reached production and shipped
- Practical power-electronics experience: DC/DC design or integration, protection circuits
- EMI/EMC design practice and pre-compliance testing experience
- Full lab fluency: oscilloscopes, electronic loads, transient generators
Advantages (not required):
- Defense or military vehicle electronics background
- MIL-STD-461 / MIL-STD-1275 qualification experience
- Video or high-speed interface design experience
- Embedded compute (carrier/SoM) integration experience
- Experience overseeing subcontractors or external design houses
