Electrical Hardware Engineer

About the role

The Hardware Engineer designs, tests, and validates board-level hardware for advanced networking and microprocessor-based products. This role focuses on digital hardware design, high-speed Ethernet technologies, and system-level integration, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to bring products from concept through production release.

Experience with microprocessor-based systems, computer networking hardware and protocols, and Ethernet LAN technologies at speeds of 10Gb/s and higher is important, and RF/analog circuit design experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage assigned hardware projects through all phases from concept to production release, ensuring delivery according to established schedules.
• Develop conceptual designs and architectures, implement hardware solutions, run simulations, debug issues, and thoroughly document designs and test results.
• Test and debug prototypes and perform failure analysis on products using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, packet generators, frequency generators, and other lab equipment.
• Perform detailed signal analysis of digital and analog circuits and conduct protocol analysis of digital circuits to identify and resolve hardware issues.
• Conduct oscilloscope probing on fine pitch components and perform rework and soldering of wires and components, including very small and fine-pitch devices.
• Collaborate closely with product management to ensure designs meet Product Requirement Documents and Technical Product Specifications while maintaining target product cost.
• Thoroughly test and verify products to ensure full conformance with industry standard specifications and internal quality requirements.
• Execute and support required tests for compliance agencies such as UL, CSA, TUV, and FCC, diagnose compliance failures, and implement corrective actions.
• Create, realize, and maintain accurate product Bills of Materials (BoMs) to ensure smooth transition and release to production.
• Interface directly with PCB designers and mechanical engineers to resolve CAD-related issues and ensure cohesive electro-mechanical design integration.
• Partner with software engineering teams to support hardware-related aspects of software development and system-level integration.
• Work with purchasing teams to coordinate procurement of prototype components and materials needed for development and testing.
• Collaborate with DVT and STRE teams to analyze test results, interpret data, and drive design improvements based on validation outcomes.
• Make timely, well-reasoned decisions, explain and support design choices, and involve appropriate stakeholders in the decision-making process.
• Manage shifting priorities, maintain focus on commitments and deadlines, and plan and prioritize work activities to use time efficiently.
• Maintain regular, predictable attendance and work effectively despite interruptions and distractions, following instructions and responding to direction as needed.
• Commit to extended work hours when necessary to achieve project goals and meet critical milestones.
• Interact positively and productively across functions within the organization, taking ownership of responsibilities and actions.
• Build and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, receive and apply feedback to improve performance, and maintain a professional demeanor in stressful situations.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of experience in a hardware design position (5+ years preferred), with a focus on digital hardware and board-level design.
• Hands-on experience designing and developing PCB-based systems using schematic capture and layout tools.
• Strong experience in microprocessor and embedded systems design, including system-level integration of microprocessor-based architectures.
• Knowledge of high-speed networking and Ethernet technologies, particularly Ethernet LAN products at speeds of 10Gb/s or higher, and related networking hardware protocols.
• Proficiency in digital hardware design for PCB and systems, including high-speed design and board-level signal integrity considerations.
• Experience with end-to-end product development, owning hardware projects from concept through production release.
• Ability to test and debug hardware using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, packet generators, frequency generators, and other signal analysis tools.
• Capability to perform detailed failure analysis and troubleshoot both digital and analog circuits at the component and system level.
• Skill in probing fine pitch components down to 0.4 mm pin spacing and soldering wires onto fine pitch component leads and surrounding circuits.
• Ability to rework and solder very small components down to 0.2 x 0.1 mm in size with precision and reliability.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to document designs and test results clearly and comprehensively.
• Solid organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines effectively.
• Ability to work independently with minimal detailed supervision and guidance while driving projects to completion.
• Capacity to maintain a professional demeanor during stressful situations and to handle multiple interruptions and distractions effectively.
• Ability and willingness to make timely decisions, exercise sound and accurate judgment, and support and explain reasoning for decisions.
• Ability to prioritize, plan work activities, and use time efficiently while consistently meeting commitments and deadlines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or equivalent education or training.
• Knowledge of RF and analog circuit design concepts and practices is a plus.
• Experience with analog circuit design, board design, and power design for complex electronic systems.
• Familiarity with schematic capture tools for hardware design and documentation.
• Basic working knowledge of standard lab test equipment, including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, packet generators, and frequency generators.
• Ability to interact positively and productively with cross-functional teams including product management, PCB design, mechanical engineering, software engineering, purchasing, and test/validation groups.
• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of responsibilities and actions, and to effectively handle interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to receive, accept, and apply feedback to continuously improve performance.
• Willingness to commit to extended work hours when necessary to reach project and organizational goals.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $60.00 – $80.00/hr. Individual compensation offered within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)