Co-Founder – Product

Same Teq Private Limited | Mumbai HQ | In-Office RoleWe are building a first-in-the-world hardware device in the vaping/e-cigarette space, powered by a globally patent-pending invention, that has the potential to disrupt a trillion-dollar industry.We are looking for a Co-Founder – Product & Technology to lead the complete hardware development cycle and engineering strategy for this groundbreaking consumer device.The ideal leader will drive full-stack hardware product execution, manage the end-to-end engagement with our leading Shenzhen manufacturing partner, and build a world-class engineering function at Same Teq.This role is full-time, in-office (Mumbai), and designed for someone who wants to build a global category-defining product from scratch.About Same TeqSame Teq Private Limited is a high-velocity Indian startup developing a globally disruptive consumer electronic device in the vaping/e-cigarette wellness space. We are backed by IP filings, advanced R&D collaborations, and a world-class manufacturing ecosystem in Shenzhen.We are creating a new category. We are building a new experience. We are challenging a trillion-dollar global habit industry.This role is for someone who wants to help build the next global hardware brand from India.Role OverviewAs Co-Founder – Product & Technology, you will be the engineering brain and execution engine of the company.You will:Lead all technical decisionsOwn the full product development lifecycle (EVT → DVT → PVT → Pilot)Work directly with our Shenzhen OD/ODM partnerBuild and manage your own team (full-time, consultants, freelancers)Own BOM optimization, hardware architecture, quality, safety, and manufacturabilityConvert the Company’s vision and consumer requirements into an engineered, production-ready deviceYou will make high-speed decisions on electronics, mechanics, firmware, trade-offs, risks, and timelines, ensuring we deliver a premium, globally scalable product.Key Responsibilities1. Lead Hardware Product Development (End-to-End)Own the product from concept → prototype → productionDrive the EVT, DVT, and PVT cycles with discipline and clarityManage engineering documentation (PRD, BOM, SOW, change logs, risk logs)Translate business goals into precise engineering requirementsBalance performance, BOM cost, manufacturability, and timelines2. Work Hands-On With Shenzhen Manufacturing PartnerManage day-to-day engineering communicationReview all technical proposals: electronics, mechanics, sensors, PCB logicApprove BOM and component-level decisionsEnsure manufacturability, durability, and global readinessMaintain a fast, structured, high-clarity communication rhythmDrive speed while protecting product quality and safety3. Electronics & Embedded Systems Oversight(Not coding daily—but strong enough to approve decisions)Review MCU, sensor, driver, and electrical architectureValidate PCB layout and power systemsApprove firmware logic, safety logic, battery management logicEnsure EMI/ESD and electrical safety complianceTo avoid:Wrong chip selectionUnscalable designsBattery safety issuesCostly redesigns4. Mechanical & Industrial Design EvaluationReview enclosure concepts, ID proposals, ergonomics, CAD layoutsJudge manufacturability (DFM) and assembly readiness (DFA)Ensure the device is sleek, miniaturized, premium, and user-friendlyOversee material choices, injection moulding readiness, structural integrity(You may hire an external ID/ME consultant to support this.)5. Compliance & Global Certification ReadinessEnsure component choices support CE, UKCA, FCC, PSE, and KCReview safety test plans and regulatory documentationWork with consultants to ensure early compliance planningPrevent any certification roadblocks during launch6. Build & Lead the Engineering FunctionYou will have full freedom to build your team:Full-time hardware engineersFreelancersEMC/regulatory consultantsFirmware/electronics advisorsIndustrial designersYou choose the structure; we provide the support.7. Documentation, Speed & High-Accountability ExecutionMaintain engineering clarity across all stakeholdersEnsure weekly updates, milestones, and decision logsPush projects at high velocityMaintain uncompromising attention to safety, quality, and detailRequired Skill SetsTechnical CapabilitiesHardware product development (consumer electronics preferred)BOM optimization + hardware trade-offsUnderstanding of sensors & embedded systemsPCB + firmware logic reviewStrong mechanical understanding (enclosure, tolerances, assembly)Experience with DFM/DFA & manufacturing constraintsFamiliarity with Shenzhen engineering cultureStrong grasp of EVT → DVT → PVT cyclesExperience taking products from prototype → productionTools & PlatformsBOM + schematic reviewCAD familiarity (SolidWorks, Fusion, Creo)Jira / Confluence / Notion / TrelloDFMEA / PFMEA / Risk analysisExcel, documentation toolsSoft SkillsCalm, structured, high-ownership mindsetCan make fast decisions with incomplete informationExcellent written and verbal communicationHigh responsiveness (24-hour cycles expected)Strong leadership and stakeholder managementSmoker or Ex-Smoker (preferred, not mandatory). Seriously. Preferred BackgroundB.E./M.E. in Electronics, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Product Design5–20 years’ experience in consumer hardware, IoT devices, medical devices, or electro-mechanical systemsExperience working with Chinese ODMs/contract manufacturers (preferred, not mandatory)Strong experience with miniaturized consumer products is a huge plusExperience leading cross-functional hardware teamsCompensationMonthly Salary: Based on experienceEquity: High level ESOPsPerformance-Based Milestones: AvailableThis is a co-founder role, not a regular job.Why This Role Is Career-DefiningYou will lead development of a first-in-the-world deviceYou will help disrupt a trillion-dollar global industryYou will co-create a globally scalable consumer product brandYou will work with top-tier Shenzhen engineers and manufacturing partnersYou will join as a co-founder, shaping the company from the ground upIf you want to build something iconic, category-defining, and meaningful — this role is for you.Write to me on samir@sameteq.com