Hardware Architect

Job Description

The Lead Hardware Architect performs both analog and digital circuit design/analysis and product validation. The Lead Hardware Architect is responsible for the full life cycle of a development program, from initial requirements to product delivery.

Main Responsibilities

• Perform electronic circuit design and analysis in the areas of mixed signal, analog, and digital design.
• Design, implement, and optimize FPGA logic using HDL (VHDL/Verilog/SystemVerilog), including architecture definition, simulation, synthesis, place-and-route, and timing closure to meet system performance and resource constraints.
• Define the hardware architecture including the functional and structural breakdown into hardware components.
• Develop and execute FPGA verification and validation strategies, including simulation, on-hardware debugging (e.g., ILA/SignalTap), and lab-based testing to ensure functional correctness, integration, and compliance with system requirements.
• Execute schematic capture and circuit simulation.
• Perform real time testing and troubleshooting of mixed signal PCB assemblies.
• Execute test procedures and record results in accordance with standard processes.
• Analyze electronic circuits using lab equipment, including function generators, oscilloscopes, power supplies, ESD/EFT generator, isolation testers, spectrum analyzers, logic analyzers.
• Absorb open design issues during development by modifying designs via white wires and soldering through-hole/SMT components.
• Define main technical decisions for hardware development including tools and methodology, analog front end architecture, DC/DC Power controllers, preferred parts list recommendations and definition of CAD constraints.
• Prepare and perform hardware requirements tests, integrations tests and verification of deliverables.
• Collaborate with various internal groups to provide troubleshooting support, root cause analysis and resolution for product issues.
• Lead regulatory and customer mandated EMI/EMC compliance testing and troubleshooting.
• Owner of all Electrical Hardware documentation throughout the lifecycle development.
• Actively participate in design reviews and research. Provide feedback on new electronic architectures and technologies as well as obsolescent designs.
• Define the production test needs and strategy.
• Work with validation engineers to ensure requirements traceability to verifications.

Experience

• Mandatory: 10+ years in Hardware Design Engineering disciplines
• Mandatory: 5+ years in FPGA Design Experience
• Mandatory: Analog Front End Design Experience
• Mandatory: PCIE, Ethernet, USB, SPI, I2C and RS232 interface experience
• Mandatory: Digital Logic Design Experience
• Mandatory: Experience troubleshooting PCB assemblies down to the component level

Desirable

• Experience with PADS Professional: Logic and Layout Design Tools
• Experience with Hyperlynx Simulation Tools
• Experience with Xpedition Design Tools
• Experience with Quartus Design Tools
• Experience with Lattice Design Tools
• Experience with Questa Simulation Tools
• Experience with PCB Layout Design
• Experience with Isolated DC to DC Supply Design
• Performing Environmental and EMI/EMC Testing
• Digital/microcontroller design
• Class D Amplifier Design Experience
• Experience with fault injection testing
• Experience with Fail-safe/vital design and AREMA/CENELEC standards

Education

• Mandatory: Bachelor’s Degree of Science in Engineering or another technical field
• Desirable: Master’s Degree of Science in Engineering or another technical field