Hands-On Hardware Engineer, Optics Lab (Redmond)

Actalent; Redmond; On-site; AUD 118,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Hardware Engineer for a 12-month, onsite contract in Redmond, WA. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years’ experience in hardware or software engineering with hands-on hardware prototype development, firmware expertise, and comfort working in a lab environment.

You will prototype and troubleshoot optical hardware (PCB, LEDs, cameras) using scripts and GUI tools, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable operation and data collection.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in software or hardware engineering with hands-on hardware prototype experience.
• Firmware background and embedded systems knowledge.
• Experience operating optical hardware prototypes (PCB, LEDs, cameras).
• Fine-pitch soldering skills with 020 components.

Responsibilities

• Operate optical hardware prototypes, including PCB boards, electrical flexes, cameras, and LEDs, in a lab environment.
• Use existing software tools, including command line scripts and graphical user interfaces, to control hardware prototypes.
• Work with on-demand server environments and related software tools to support prototype operation and data collection.
• Perform basic software and hardware troubleshooting, such as interpreting command line outputs, restarting hardware, and resolving common integration issues.
• Train moderators and other users on how to correctly and safely operate prototype devices and associated tools.
• Conduct weekly checks on prototype devices at vendor sites, including driving to and from those locations to verify hardware status and performance.
• Support hardware prototyping and test activities, ensuring that designs are correctly implemented and issues are documented and communicated.
• Collaborate with a team of engineers and technical staff to improve prototype reliability, usability, and test coverage.
• Apply fine-pitch soldering skills (including 020 components) when required to build, repair, or modify prototype boards.
• Maintain an organized and safe lab environment, ensuring that equipment, tools, and prototypes are properly handled and stored.

Skills

Hands-on hardware

Firmware experience

Data analytics

Command line tools

Hardware prototyping

Education

Software or Electrical Engineering degree

Tools

Soldering (fine-pitch 020)

On-demand server environments

GUI hardware control tools

Job description

Actalent is seeking a Hardware Engineer for a 12-month, onsite contract in Redmond, WA. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years’ experience in hardware or software engineering with hands-on hardware prototype development, firmware expertise, and comfort working in a lab environment.

You will prototype and troubleshoot optical hardware (PCB, LEDs, cameras) using scripts and GUI tools, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable operation and data collection.