Head of Engineering – Hardware, Firmware & Systems
Lisbon, Portugal (Hybrid/Flexible)
Full-time | Executive | Hands-On Leadership
About PaperWeight AI
At PaperWeight AI, we're transforming retail infrastructure with ultra-thin, intelligent shelf sensors. Our paper-based, camera-free platform turns every shelf into a data-generating IoT device and delivers real-time inventory visibility—without shelf replacements, environmental compromise, or complex installs.
We're looking for a hands-on Head of Engineering to own our full technology stack — from embedded electronics to cloud infrastructure — and lead the transition from working prototype to scalable global product.
What You'll Own
You'll be the technical owner of our integrated product stack: driving system architecture, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring world-class performance from sensor to cloud.
Project & Engineering Leadership
* Own technical delivery across hardware, embedded systems, cloud infrastructure, and AI integration
* Build and lead a lean, multi-disciplinary engineering team
* Translate business needs into scoped, milestone-driven engineering roadmaps
* Manage external vendors, suppliers, and installation partners
Hardware, Firmware & System Architecture
* Lead design and optimization of low-power PCBs, sensor integration, and energy-efficient systems
* Develop or guide embedded firmware (STM32/ESP32 or similar) — BLE, OTA updates, deep sleep cycles
* Validate and improve system performance, reliability, and manufacturability
* Lead signal acquisition from force, pressure, or weight sensors; guide conditioning, filtering, and calibration
* Drive early-stage algorithm development for sensor event detection and system intelligence
Manufacturing & Deployment
* Pilot runs, component sourcing, and testing protocols
* Oversee quality control, supplier management, and field deployment procedures
* Build scalable support for OTA updates, remote diagnostics, and product maintenance
* Lead the transition from prototype to production-ready hardware, including DFM, cost optimization, and yield considerations
Software, Cloud & AI Integration
* Support and interface with software and AI teams to ensure smooth system integration
* Guide architecture of device-cloud data pipelines, telemetry, and APIs
What We're Looking For
Required:
* Degree in Electrical, Embedded Systems, or Computer Engineering
* Experience working in a startup or innovation-driven environment with limited resources, tight timelines, and shifting priorities
* Experience delivering hardware-based systems, including embedded design and firmware
* Proven experience shipping real-world connected products, not just managing software orgs
* Familiarity with IoT/cloud architecture (MQTT, databases, APIs, telemetry systems)
* Strong project management and team leadership skills
Bonus:
* Experience with printed or flexible electronics
* Exposure to AI/ML integration, sensor fusion, or analytics pipelines
* Experience managing cloud deployment, DevOps, or edge/cloud coordination
* Comfortable reading/writing code in Python, Node.js, or embedded C
Who You Are
· You bring an entrepreneurial mentality — resourceful, accountable, and outcome-focused
· You're equally comfortable in the office and in the field, from strategy to hands-on installs
· You can lead and manage teams, but have demonstrated individual technical excellence on hands-on projects
· You've led hardware products from breadboard to BOM to field deployment
· You think in systems: how a signal becomes insight, and how insight becomes action