Application Engineer, Data Center Hardware/Firmware

Utilidata is a fast-growing NVIDIA-backed AI company enabling AI data centers to dynamically orchestrate power and unlock more compute capacity from existing energy infrastructure. For over a decade, we have applied AI to the electric grid — bringing real-time visibility and power-flow control to complex energy infrastructure. Our Karman platform, built on a custom NVIDIA module, brings that same capability to AI data centers, giving operators a way to better use the power already available to them.

We are looking for an Application Engineer, Data Center Hardware/Firmware to join our Technical Programs team and serve as the technical bridge between Karman and our customers' hardware environments. This is a founding role in a new Application Engineering function, shaping how we take customers from contract to production. The role works directly with customers and partners with our Hardware, Firmware, and Product teams to design, build, and validate Karman integrations — including the hardware integration surfaces required for new Karman form factors. We are looking for a hands-on builder who can translate customer requirements into concrete designs and POCs, drive them to production, and communicate effectively with both engineering teams and customer stakeholders. We are looking for candidates who are mission-driven, technically versatile, and thrive in fast-paced, high-ownership environments. This position is based onsite at our company headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with flexibility for occasional remote work. Candidates will be expected to collaborate cross-functionally with remote teams based across the country.

Responsibilities

• Partner with Product and GTM teams pre-contract to assess customer hardware environments and build proof-of-concept integration layers that demonstrate Karman's value
• Design and implement the hardware integration layer between Karman and customer infrastructure; review both Utilidata and customer hardware designs to identify integration points and gaps
• Write and modify embedded firmware to adapt Karman to each customer's platform
• Own end-to-end technical execution for customer hardware integrations, from kick-off through design, validation, release, and deployment
• Lead customer-facing technical calls, on-site visits, and requirements reviews with customer engineering, IT, and operations teams
• Create and maintain customer integration artifacts, including HW Design Review Checklists, Validation and Test Checklists, Installation and Power-Up Guides, HW Release Timelines, KPI trackers, and After-Action Reports
• Develop HW Design Collaterals covering layout, schematic, power, IO, signal integrity, thermal, and RFI requirements
• Produce SOM and metrology bring-up documentation, including HW Bring-Up and Power-Up Guides and design reviews for schematics, layouts, and test results
• Track hardware KPIs and risks; escalate and coordinate resolution across engineering teams
• Take an AI-first approach to automating processes and generating integration and deployment artifacts
• Participate in roadmap meetings, sprint planning, and design reviews with the HW team to maintain current product knowledge
• Serve as the feedback loop between field deployments and core engineering, translating integration learnings into product improvements
• Build out repeatable processes, templates, and best practices to scale the Application Engineering function

Minimum Qualifications

• 8+ years of hands-on hardware and embedded firmware engineering experience, with a demonstrated ability to independently design, implement, and validate hardware solutions from concept through production
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, computer science or similar field OR equivalent training and on the job experience 
• Proven experience designing hardware integration points, including PCB-level design, interface definition, and system bring-up, owned end-to-end
• FPGA development experience spanning both hardware design/RTL and firmware
• Proficiency writing, modifying, and debugging embedded firmware independently
• Working knowledge of embedded and data center interfaces and protocols (e.g., I2C, UART, PCIe, Ethernet)
• Ability to read and critically review schematics, PCB layouts, and test results
• Demonstrated ability to produce structured engineering artifacts, including design review checklists, test plans, validation procedures, and deployment documentation
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical content to both engineering and non-engineering audiences
• High learning agility in fast-moving, early-stage product environments
• Experience in data center infrastructure, power electronics, or energy management hardware
• Willingness to travel  for customer kick-offs, on-site reviews, and deployment validation

Enhanced Qualifications (Nice to Have)

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineer or related field
• Familiarity with System-on-Module (SOM) platforms or metrology hardware
• Knowledge of power quality, thermal management, or power sequencing
• Experience with embedded Linux, BSP bring-up, or Yocto-based OS customization
• Familiarity with on-device messaging and serialization patterns (e.g., ZeroMQ, Protobuf, gRPC, REST APIs)
• Prior experience in a customer-facing technical role such as Field Application Engineer or systems integration engineer

Salary Range: $160,000 to $195,000 base compensation depending on experience plus stock options. Salary will be commensurate with an individual's skills, training, years of experience, and in line with internal compensation bands.

Location: This position is based onsite at our company headquarters in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with flexibility for occasional remote work.

Our Commitments
Utilidata values the diversity of our team. We provide equal employment opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy or childbirth, sexual orientation, genetics, genetic information, marital status, or status as a covered veteran or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.

We are committed to:

• Creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that is welcoming, supportive, affirming and respectful
• Empowering employees to solve problems and work together to make a difference
• Providing mentorship and growth opportunities as part of a collaborative team
• A flexible work environment with flexible paid time off
• Competitive compensation and benefits, including health, dental, vision, and employer-match 401k