Staff Hardware Engineer - Board-Level Design

Piper Companies is seeking two experienced Staff Hardware Engineers – Board-Level Design (High-Speed Focus) to support system-level hardware development within a cutting-edge technology environment. This role plays a critical part in board integration, bring-up, validation, and architectural influence, ensuring high-performance hardware systems are delivered from concept through production. Located in San Jose, CA, this is a full-time opportunity with a mix of hands-on lab work and technical leadership responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead system-level board design integration with a balance of hands-on execution and architectural input.
• Drive board bring-up and debug activities (critical requirement) to ensure system functionality and performance.
• Perform lab validation, testing, and characterization to validate system behavior and reliability.
• Collaborate closely with contract manufacturers to support build, integration, and issue resolution.
• Evaluate and select chips, modules, and vendor solutions to support system design goals.
• Partner with vendors and internal stakeholders to define technical direction prior to adoption.

Requirements

• Extensive experience as a hardware/system engineer completing multiple full product lifecycles.
• Strong expertise in board bring-up and debug.
• Experience with high-speed interfaces, including PCIe Gen5 and 10G+ Ethernet.
• Deep understanding of signal integrity and system-level board behavior.
• Experience working in lab environments with hands-on validation and troubleshooting.
• Ability to drive technical decisions and influence direction across cross-functional teams.
• Proven experience collaborating with vendors and contract manufacturers.
• Experience using signal integrity tools such as HyperLynx or Ansys SI tools.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to operate in a fast-paced, highly technical environment.

Pay

Salary range: $240,000 - $260,000

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• 401k retirement plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Holidays and sick leave as required by law