Hardware Engineer - Electrical SMT

Actalent; Redmond; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Hardware Engineer in Redmond, WA, onsite for a 12-month contract. The role requires strong experience in hands-on hardware prototype development, firmware/embedded systems, and data analytics, with equipment such as PCB boards, cameras, LEDs, and related lab tools.

You will operate and support optical hardware prototypes in a lab environment, troubleshoot, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure reliable operation of prototype devices.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience in hardware/software prototype development in a hands-on lab.
• Strong firmware background and embedded systems experience.
• Experience with data analytics related to hardware or prototype performance.

Responsibilities

• Operate optical hardware prototypes in a lab environment (PCB boards, cameras, LEDs).
• Use scripts and GUI tools to control hardware prototypes.
• Support on-demand server environments and related software tools for data collection.
• Perform basic software and hardware troubleshooting and issue resolution.
• Train moderators and users on proper operation of prototype devices and tools.
• Conduct weekly prototype checks at vendor sites and travel as needed.
• Collaborate with engineers to improve prototype reliability and test coverage.
• Apply fine-pitch soldering skills (0200 components) as required.

Skills

Hands-on hardware prototyping

Firmware background

Data analytics

Programming languages

Lab environment

Education

Software or Electrical Engineering degree

Job description

Job Title: Hardware Engineer

Location: Redmond, WA - onsite

Placement Type: 12 month contract to start

Top Skills

1. Must have strong software skills, an optics background is great, this role is very hands on.
2. Software or Electrical engineer degree is a must
3. fine-pitch soldering 0201
4. lab environment

Job Description

The Hardware Engineer will work in a hands-on lab environment to operate and support optical hardware prototypes, including PCB boards, electrical flexes, cameras, and LEDs. This role requires a software or hardware engineer with at least 5 years of experience, strong firmware and data analytics skills, and a solid background in hardware and prototype development. The engineer will use existing software tools, perform basic software and hardware troubleshooting, and collaborate closely with a cross-functional team to ensure reliable operation of prototype devices.

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 and monitor 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.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of experience as a software or hardware engineer with hands-on involvement in hardware and prototype development.
• Strong firmware background with the ability to work closely with hardware and embedded systems.
• Experience with data analytics related to hardware or prototype performance.
• Proficiency with common programming languages and command line tools.
• Demonstrated ability to operate optical hardware prototypes, including PCB boards, electrical flexes, cameras, and LEDs.
• Experience using existing software tools, including command line scripts and graphical user interfaces, to control hardware.
• Familiarity with on-demand server environments and remote software tools.
• Basic software and hardware troubleshooting skills, including understanding command line scripts and applying standard practices such as restarting hardware.
• Software or Electrical Engineering degree.
• Ability and willingness to drive to vendor sites for weekly prototype device checks.
• Fine-pitch soldering skills, including work with 020 components.
• Strong hands-on approach and comfort working directly with hardware in a lab setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• background in hardware prototyping engineering is highly desirable.
• Experience as a Hardware Test Engineer is a strong plus.
• Electrical Engineering background is beneficial for operating and understanding hardware prototypes.
• Optics background is a strong advantage for working with optical hardware prototypes.
• Experience in a lab environment, including safe handling of electronic components and test equipment.
• Ability to clearly explain technical concepts when training moderators and other non-technical users.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail when diagnosing hardware and software issues.

Work Environment

The role is based in a lab environment within a team of approximately 15 people. The Hardware Engineer will work closely with other engineers and technical staff, using tools and equipment such as PCB boards, electrical flexes, cameras, LEDs, soldering tools for fine-pitch components, and various lab instruments. The work involves regular hands-on interaction with hardware prototypes, use of command line and GUI-based software tools, and occasional travel by car to vendor sites for weekly checks on prototype devices. The environment supports collaboration, practical experimentation, and continuous refinement of hardware prototypes.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $70.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: 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)

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Redmond, WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Nov 18, 2026.

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Redmond,WA.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email [e-mail] for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.