Hardware Design Engineer

Deep Trekker Inc.; Cambridge, Waterloo, Kitchener; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Deep Trekker Inc. is seeking a Hardware Design Engineer dedicated to the development of electronic systems for its Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). The role involves designing custom PCBs, ensuring reliable operation under subsea conditions, and collaborating in multidisciplinary teams. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in embedded hardware, motor control, and power electronics, with a creative and problem-solving mindset.

Benefits

Dynamic team environment

Competitive salary and benefits package

RRSP matching

Flexible work options

Professional growth opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience designing embedded hardware systems with strong PCB layout and circuit design skills.
• Hands-on expertise with motor control.
• Knowledge of power electronics, including switching regulators.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop custom PCBs for core ROV functions.
• Engineer high-efficiency brushless motor drivers.
• Collaborate with firmware, mechanical, and systems engineers.

Skills

PCB layout

Circuit design

Motor control

Power electronics

Debugging skills

High-speed digital design

Collaboration

Tools

Altium

KiCad

Job description

About Deep Trekker

Deep Trekker, a proud Halma Company, is a global leader in underwater robotics. Our ROVs and inspection systems are used in over 100 countries across industries such as aquaculture, infrastructure, public safety, environmental monitoring, and more. Our mission is to make complex underwater tasks safer, more efficient, and more accessible with intuitive, portable technology.

We are seeking a technically skilled, hands-on Hardware Design Engineer to drive the development and integration of electronic systems for our Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). This role focuses on designing and validating custom electronics, from embedded motor controllers and high-speed communication interfaces to robust power delivery systems - ensuring reliable, high-performance operation in demanding subsea environments. The ideal candidate is energized by tough engineering challenges, builds elegant solutions at the PCB level, and thrives in multidisciplinary, fast-moving teams.

Core Responsibilities

• Design and develop custom PCBs for core ROV functions including motor control, power distribution, communication, and sensing.
• Engineer high-efficiency brushless motor drivers tailored for subsea performance and reliability.
• Develop and integrate Ethernet-based and microcontroller-driven communications hardware.
• Design robust power systems including DC-DC converters, load protection, EMI mitigation, and power integrity across subsystems.
• Drive hardware development from concept to deployment: schematic capture, PCB layout, validation, and production handoff.
• Perform bring-up, test, and debugging of new designs using lab tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and current probes.
• Collaborate with firmware, mechanical, and systems engineers to deliver tightly integrated hardware solutions.
• Support system integration, manufacturing, and field testing to ensure electronics function reliably across real-world use cases.
• Manage component selection and BOMs, factoring in sourcing, cost, reliability, and performance.
• Contribute to design documentation and compliance efforts.

Qualifications

Required:

• Proven experience designing embedded hardware systems with strong PCB layout and circuit design skills.
• Hands-on expertise with motor control (e.g., BLDC drivers, gate drivers, current sensing).
• Knowledge of power electronics, including switching regulators, protection circuitry, and system-level power distribution.
• Familiarity with high-speed digital design (e.g., Ethernet, SPI, USB) and microcontroller-based systems.
• Strong debugging skills using standard bench equipment and test methods.
• Proficient with EDA tools such as Altium or KiCad.
• Comfortable working across disciplines and taking designs from prototype to production.

Preferred:

• Experience designing electronics for harsh environments (marine, subsea, aerospace, etc.).
• Understanding of EMC/EMI design principles and regulatory compliance.
• Familiarity with embedded firmware and hardware/software co-design.
• Knowledge of safety-critical or reliability-focused design practices.
• Exposure to robotics, automation, or electromechanical integration.

What We’re Looking For:

• An execution-focused hardware engineer who sees PCBs as a creative medium.
• A system-aware thinker who balances embedded precision with power robustness.
• A collaborator who’s energized by interdisciplinary challenges and iterative problem solving.
• A practical innovator who can design, build, and debug with confidence—both on the bench and in the field.

What We Offer

• A dynamic team shaping the future of underwater exploration and robotics
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• RRSP matching
• Flexible work options and professional growth opportunities

Deep Trekker is an equal-opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities. Applicants who require a reasonable accommodation to complete the application and/or interview process should notify us at [e-mail].