Hardware Prototype & Test Engineer

Department: Hardware Engineering

Location: San Francisco

Compensation: $90K – $120K • Offers Equity

Employment Type: FullTime

Join the Sleep Fitness Movement

At Eight Sleep, we’re on a mission to fuel human potential through optimal sleep. As the world’s first sleep fitness company, we’re redefining what it means to be well-rested and building the most advanced hardware, software, and AI technology to make it possible. Our products power peak mental, physical, and emotional performance by transforming every night of sleep into a personalized, data-driven recovery experience.

We are trusted by high performers, professional athletes, and health-conscious consumers in over 30 countries worldwide. Recognized as one of Fast Company's Most Innovative Companies in 2019, 2022, and 2023, 2026 and twice named to TIME's “Best Inventions of the Year.” We operate like a high-performance team: fast, focused, and motivated by impact. We don’t just ship; we iterate, refine, and obsess over the details that help our members sleep better and wake up stronger.

Every role at Eight Sleep is a chance to create cutting-edge technology, collaborate with world-class talent, and help shape a future where sleep isn’t passive - it’s a powerful tool for living better. If you’re tired of the ordinary and driven to build at the edge of what’s possible, this is your moment. Join us and lead the movement that’s transforming how the world sleeps and what we’re all capable of when we wake up.

High Standards. No Apologies.

We operate with intensity because our mission demands it. At Eight Sleep, we bring the same mindset as the world’s top performers: focused, relentless, and always pushing to be in the top 1% of our craft. Think Kobe Bryant’s mamba mentality, applied to bold ideas, next-gen tech, and flawless execution. This isn’t a 9-to-5. Our team is deeply committed, often putting in 60+ hours a week –not because we’re told to, but because we’re invested. We’re here to build fast, push limits, and deliver without compromise. If you thrive under pressure and want to do the most meaningful work of your career, you’ll feel right at home. If you’re looking for something easier –this isn’t it.

The Role

We’re looking for an experienced HW Test Engineer, Special Projects to lead testing and validation of our products. You’ll be part of a small, mission-driven team working on innovative new technology products. We’re growing quickly so there are ample opportunities for career growth.

This is hardware test engineering, end to end. Build physical prototypes, bring up hardware, run through experiments that stresses our state of the art products and sensors to generate test data, then manage data to create actionable information for the team.

This is not QA - it’s test for hardware systems and manufacturing environments.

This role is based out of our San Francisco Office 5 days/week or Boulder/Denver area, and expected travel up to 20%.

How you’ll contribute

• Design and run experiments to validate the performance of new designs, as well as track and analyze results.

• Develop and maintain automated test applications and GUIs for production environments, hardware validation, and reliability testing.

• Prototype and test complex electromechanical systems, including sensors, pumps, mechanisms, and electronics.

• Build prototypes using techniques like 3D printing, machining, and quick turn tooling with in-house tools and external suppliers.

• Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineering to support efforts across the product development lifecycle.

• Develop test systems using embedded hardware like Arduino, and coding in Python.

• Software integrations with physical instrumentation and custom hardware/firmware

• Design operator-friendly user interfaces for running and monitoring tests (desktop or web-based).

• Architect, design, and implement data visualization, and test result reporting

• Documentation and methodologies to help the team use the tools you create

• Design, build, and deploy custom physical test fixtures and jigs for R&D and manufacturing environments, including specification of sensors and mechanical interfaces.

• Perform hands-on root cause analysis and debug of electrical and mechanical failures in test systems and products down to the component or PCB level.

What You'll Need to Succeed

• 5+ years of hardware/software test experience with a focus in integrated systems

• Track records of shipping high-volume consumer products, including manufacturing support in Asia. Willingness and ability to travel to China as needed.

• Experience with hands-on prototyping of mechanical and electrical systems.

• Proficiency with 3D modeling (eg. Solidworks, ProEngineer, etc.).

• Experience using and maintaining basic shop tools like 3D printers, band saw, milling machine.

• Experience with Python, or C#/WPF for test GUIs.

• Experience with git, github, command line scripting tools, Homebrew (mac OS), apt (linux)

• Experience soldering, wiring and debugging.

• Familiarity with hardware communication protocols (I2C, SPI, etc.).

• Understanding of test sequencing, data logging, and hardware automation.

• Proven hands-on experience with PCB bring-up, debug, and rework.

• BSEE, BSCE, BSCS, BSME or equivalent. MS preferred.

Why join Eight Sleep?

Innovation in a culture of excellence

Join us in a workplace where innovation isn’t just encouraged - it’s a standard. Our flagship product, the Pod, is a testament to our culture of excellence, beloved by hundreds of thousands of customers worldwide. At Eight Sleep, you will be part of a team that continuously pushes the boundaries of technology in sleep fitness.

Immediate responsibility and accelerated career growth

From your first day, you’ll take on substantial responsibilities that have a direct impact on our core business and product success. We are a small team that empowers you to own your projects and see the tangible effects of your efforts, enhancing both your professional growth and our company’s trajectory. Your path will be challenging but rewarding, perfect for those who thrive in fast-paced environments aiming for high standards.

Collaboration with exceptional talent

Work alongside other bright minds like you: at Eight Sleep exceptional intelligence and a passion for breakthroughs are the norms. Our team members are not only experts in their fields but also avid innovators who thrive in our dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Equitable compensation and continuous equity investment

We extend equity participation to every full-time team member, recognizing and rewarding your direct contributions to our success. This includes periodic equity refreshments based on performance, ensuring that as Eight Sleep grows and succeeds, so do you – perfectly aligning your achievements with the broader triumphs of the company. Pay grows rapidly as you accumulate experience with Eight Sleep and translate it into concrete impact.

Your own Pod - and other great benefits

Every Eight Sleep employee receives the very product that defines our mission: a Pod of their own. If you join us you’ll get your own Pod, along with*:

• Full access to health, vision, and dental insurance for you and your dependents

• Supplemental life insurance

• Flexible PTO

• Commuter benefits to ease your daily commute

• Paid parental leave

*List of benefits may vary depending on your location