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 samir@sameteq.com