About this role
About Tacit
We are an early-stage, deep tech startup based in San Francisco, developing innovative hardware that rethinks human-computer interaction. We are backed by General Catalyst, Khosla Ventures, and Greylock Partners, with a founding team from Stanford, BrainGate, Oculus, and Tesla. While we can’t reveal too much just yet, our team is tackling cutting-edge engineering challenges to bring revolutionary products to life.
About the roleWe are seeking a highly motivated PhD student for an internship position to help develop and test our wireless sensing hardware. The successful candidate will work closely with our team of engineers and researchers to design, simulate, analyze, tape out, integrate, and validate advanced antenna systems. This role offers hands-on experience across full product lifecycle, with a focus on design optimization and performance reliability. This internship offers a chance to work on hard problems of great impact and a unique opportunity for direct involvement in 0-to-1 product development within a dynamic and collaborative startup environment.
What you'll doDesign and evaluation of antennas for a given wireless channel link budget starting from first-principles, while considering pros/cons of different solutions and trade-off between KPIs
Perform computational electromagnetic simulations and develop new simulation models using full-wave EM software tools
Analyze and interpret simulation results, providing insights and recommendations for design improvements and performance optimization
Build mock ups for proof-of-concept prototypes and test vehicles, build test fixtures and platforms, and create solutions to automate the antenna system development process, and data analysis of testing workflows
Assist in PCB layout design process, and DFM reviews -considering mass production readiness- with vendors and external manufacturing partners
Integrate antennas into complete device form factor by collaborating with cross-functional teams
Carry out antenna characterization and ensure that the antennas integrated in our products meet their specifications in free space and on-body from prototype to mass production
Assist in sensor calibration to reduce device-to-device variability and maintain reliable performance in different operating conditions and practical user-study cases across user populations
Optimize hardware system for low-noise/low-interference, high-resolution signal detection and processing, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and power budget
Document designs, experiments, and studies; and clearly report findings and recommendations to the wider team
RequirementsCurrently enrolled in PhD program in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field with a focus on antennas and/or computational electromagnetics.
Strong theoretical and practical understanding of antenna theory and electromagnetic wave propagation, as well as basic microwave engineering concepts (e.g. transmission lines, impedance matching, baluns, S-parameters, linear systems, filter design, etc.) • Proficiency in computational electromagnetic simulation tools (e.g., CST, XFDTD).
Experience in PCB schematic and layout tools (e.g. Altium Designer, Cadence)
Hands-on experience in microwave measurement equipment (vector network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, etc.)
Hands-on experience designing, prototyping and building functional antenna systems
High work ethic, enthusiasm, flexibility, and resourcefulness
Excellent problem-solving skills, and ability to work independently and take initiative
Strong communication and documentation skills, and ability to work well in a team and across disciplines
Strong candidates may haveExperience in on-body or implantable wireless devices, sensing, imaging applications
Experience in any of: UWB, directional miniaturized antennas, multiband antennas, flexible electronics, e-textiles, ultra-low power wireless systems, integrated sensing and comms
Experience in design optimization and inverse design techniques for electromagnetics structures • Experience in de-sense, coexistence, EMC/EMI and OTA performance
Familiarity with AI/ML techniques for signal processing or time-series data (e.g., preprocessing, feature extraction, or integration with deep learning models)
Experience with Python or MATLAB for scripting, data processing and test automation
Desire for accountability and ownership —able to manage time effectively, drive tasks independently, and escalate and communicate issues and needs clearly
Publications or conference presentations in relevant areas
Compensation Range$40 - $60/hour