Principal Hardware Engineer

The Basics

• This is a full-time position.
• We’d strongly prefer to hire a candidate based in or willing to relocate to the Toronto area. That being said, we will consider candidates based in the Boston area who are willing to travel to our Toronto office at least once per quarter.
• Work hours are flexible, but meetings are typically scheduled between 9 AM and 5 PM Eastern Time.
• The salary range for this role is $210,000 - $230,000 CAD, dependent on skills and experience. If U.S.-based, any variation in that range can be discussed in the intro call.
• This role reports to Steve Boyle, Director of Engineering.

In this role, you'll be expected to:

• Lead advanced development efforts on highly complex, ambiguous technical problems that shape the future of Synex's technology.
• Translate next-generation system architecture into working hardware — owning detailed design, prototyping, bring-up, and integration of novel hardware subsystems.
• Drive technical exploration through simulation, experimentation, and rapid iteration to identify and resolve key technical risks.
• Work across a variety of projects, from early technical development through design refinement and subsystem implementation.
• Collaborate closely with research scientists, hardware engineers, software teams, and the product team, connecting theory, modelling, and user needs to real-world system performance.
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship, helping elevate engineering rigour, experimentation practices, and problem-solving approaches across the team.

You might be right for this role if you have:

• Significant experience leading advanced hardware development, including taking unconventional technical concepts from early-stage research, pressure-testing them, and translating them into working systems.
• A track record of taking unconventional technical concepts from architecture through to working systems, pressure-testing where standard solutions don't apply and figuring out what to build.
• Experience validating novel hardware concepts through simulation, analytical modelling, and hands-on prototyping.
• Some experience working in a medical device development environment.
• Proficiency with scientific computing and simulation tools such as COMSOL, HFSS, ADS, MATLAB, or Python.
• The ability to collaborate closely with engineering leadership, project management, and the product team to help define technical approaches, scope work, shape development roadmaps, and account for user needs.
• A track record of consistently delivering excellence on high-impact work.
• Comfort mentoring more junior engineers to contribute to a collaborative, high-performing engineering environment.

About Synex Medical

At Synex, our work culture is defined by a blend of ambitious goals, intense passion for our mission, and a deep commitment to our employees' well-being. We encourage our team to set ambitious goals and provide the autonomy needed to achieve them.

While achieving significant milestones can require extra effort and collaboration, we also prioritize rest and self-care to maintain our team’s well-being. We support taking time for personal and family commitments so you can maintain a fulfilling life outside of work.

Developing strong social connections helps tie us together even when we are located in different places. We routinely meet in our regional offices for paid company lunches, learning sessions, and social events.

Transparency and ethical standards are also foundational to how we operate. We collaborate with external partners from academia and industry to review and provide feedback on our work, ensuring scientific rigour and accountability. Internally, we promote psychological safety through regular employee check-ins, anonymous surveys, and multiple avenues for reporting concerns, including an online reporting tool. These measures foster a supportive and open environment where employees feel safe voicing their concerns and contributing to the company’s success.

Benefits

Building towards a predictive healthcare future starts with our team. We're committed to a strong benefits package that will grow as Synex expands. We currently offer:

→ Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance: We cover 100% of the premiums for our employees. Coverage for partners and dependents varies based on location and plan.

→ Flexible Time Off: We don’t place annual limits on vacation and sick days, and we require that you take at least 3 weeks of vacation each year (not counting company holidays!).

→ Parental Leave: We provide 6 months of fully paid leave for all parents—whether you’re a birthing, non-birthing, or adoptive parent.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Hiring

Synex Medical does not use automated AI systems to screen, assess, or select applicants. All applications are reviewed by humans, and all interviews are conducted by humans. We may use AI tools to assist with reviewing resumes or summarizing interview notes, but these tools do not make or influence selection decisions.

We prefer that candidates not use assistive AI tools during an interview, as this can interfere with our selection process.