Co-Founder – Product

Same Teq Private Limited | Mumbai HQ | In-Office Role We 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 Teq Same 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 Overview As Co-Founder – Product & Technology, you will be the engineering brain and execution engine of the company. You will: Lead all technical decisions Own the full product development lifecycle (EVT → DVT → PVT → Pilot) Work directly with our Shenzhen OD/ODM partner Build and manage your own team (full-time, consultants, freelancers) Own BOM optimization, hardware architecture, quality, safety, and manufacturability Convert the Company’s vision and consumer requirements into an engineered, production-ready device You will make high-speed decisions on electronics, mechanics, firmware, trade-offs, risks, and timelines, ensuring we deliver a premium, globally scalable product. Key Responsibilities 1. Lead Hardware Product Development (End-to-End) Own the product from concept → prototype → production Drive the EVT, DVT, and PVT cycles with discipline and clarity Manage engineering documentation (PRD, BOM, SOW, change logs, risk logs) Translate business goals into precise engineering requirements Balance performance, BOM cost, manufacturability, and timelines 2. Work Hands-On With Shenzhen Manufacturing Partner Manage day-to-day engineering communication Review all technical proposals: electronics, mechanics, sensors, PCB logic Approve BOM and component-level decisions Ensure manufacturability, durability, and global readiness Maintain a fast, structured, high-clarity communication rhythm Drive speed while protecting product quality and safety 3. Electronics & Embedded Systems Oversight (Not coding daily—but strong enough to approve decisions) Review MCU, sensor, driver, and electrical architecture Validate PCB layout and power systems Approve firmware logic, safety logic, battery management logic Ensure EMI/ESD and electrical safety compliance To avoid: Wrong chip selection Unscalable designs Battery safety issues Costly redesigns 4. Mechanical & Industrial Design Evaluation Review enclosure concepts, ID proposals, ergonomics, CAD layouts Judge manufacturability (DFM) and assembly readiness (DFA) Ensure the device is sleek, miniaturized, premium, and user-friendly Oversee material choices, injection moulding readiness, structural integrity (You may hire an external ID/ME consultant to support this.) 5. Compliance & Global Certification Readiness Ensure component choices support CE, UKCA, FCC, PSE, and KC Review safety test plans and regulatory documentation Work with consultants to ensure early compliance planning Prevent any certification roadblocks during launch 6. Build & Lead the Engineering Function You will have full freedom to build your team: Full-time hardware engineers Freelancers EMC/regulatory consultants Firmware/electronics advisors Industrial designers You choose the structure; we provide the support. 7. Documentation, Speed & High-Accountability Execution Maintain engineering clarity across all stakeholders Ensure weekly updates, milestones, and decision logs Push projects at high velocity Maintain uncompromising attention to safety, quality, and detail Required Skill Sets Technical Capabilities Hardware product development (consumer electronics preferred) BOM optimization + hardware trade-offs Understanding of sensors & embedded systems PCB + firmware logic review Strong mechanical understanding (enclosure, tolerances, assembly) Experience with DFM/DFA & manufacturing constraints Familiarity with Shenzhen engineering culture Strong grasp of EVT → DVT → PVT cycles Experience taking products from prototype → production Tools & Platforms BOM + schematic review CAD familiarity (SolidWorks, Fusion, Creo) Jira / Confluence / Notion / Trello DFMEA / PFMEA / Risk analysis Excel, documentation tools Soft Skills Calm, structured, high-ownership mindset Can make fast decisions with incomplete information Excellent written and verbal communication High responsiveness (24-hour cycles expected) Strong leadership and stakeholder management Smoker or Ex-Smoker (preferred, not mandatory). Seriously. Preferred Background B.E./M.E. in Electronics, Mechanical, Mechatronics, or Product Design 5–20 years’ experience in consumer hardware, IoT devices, medical devices, or electro-mechanical systems Experience working with Chinese ODMs/contract manufacturers (preferred, not mandatory) Strong experience with miniaturized consumer products is a huge plus Experience leading cross-functional hardware teams Compensation Monthly Salary: Based on experience Equity: High level ESOPs Performance-Based Milestones: Available This is a co-founder role, not a regular job. Why This Role Is Career-Defining You will lead development of a first-in-the-world device You will help disrupt a trillion-dollar global industry You will co-create a globally scalable consumer product brand You will work with top-tier Shenzhen engineers and manufacturing partners You will join as a co-founder, shaping the company from the ground up If you want to build something iconic, category-defining, and meaningful — this role is for you. Write to me on