Hardware Engineer

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), focusing 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 10 Gb/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 × 0.1 mm 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 while driving projects to completion.
• Capacity to maintain a professional demeanor during stressful situations and to handle multiple interruptions and distractions effectively.
• Willingness to make timely decisions, exercise sound judgment, 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/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 per hour. Compensation within this range will depend on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent factors.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision coverage
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital insurance
• 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)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Everett, WA.

Application Deadline

Anticipated closing date: September 29, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. The company helps visionary organizations advance engineering and science initiatives through specialized experts who drive scale, innovation, and speed to market. With a network of nearly 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia, and Europe, Actalent serves many Fortune 500 companies and is recognized as an ENR Top 500 Design Firm and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.