Principal Hardware Instrument Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Cambridge; Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Cambridge is seeking a Principal Hardware Instrument Engineer to lead the development of precision instruments. The role involves overseeing multidisciplinary engineering teams, managing risk mitigation strategies, and delivering training to internal teams and external partners. Candidates should have over 10 years of experience and a strong background in physics and hardware design.

Benefits

10% Matching 401K

Top Benefits Package

Relocation Assistance

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in precision hardware instrument engineering.
• Strong background in physics, applied math, and hardware design.
• Proficiency in CAD, MATLAB, FEA, and simulation tools.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Subject Matter Expert in precision instrument development.
• Lead end-to-end instrument development from concept to manufacturing.
• Evaluate customer requirements and lead design of sensor-based solutions.

Skills

Precision sensor technologies

Hardware instrument engineering

Physics

Applied math

Hardware design

CAD

MATLAB

FEA

Simulation tools

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering

Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering

Bachelor’s in Applied Physics

Master’s/PhD (preferred)

Job description

Job DescriptionJob Description

Principal Hardware Instrument Engineer

Cambridge MA – Hybrid, MUST live locally, or relocate to this area

$150K to $225K

10% Matching 401K, Top Benefits Package

Relocation Assistance

Required:

• Deep understanding of precision sensor technologies and systems.
  
• 10+ years of experience in precision hardware instrument engineering.
  
• Strong background in physics, applied math, and hardware design.
  
• Proficiency in CAD, MATLAB, FEA, and simulation tools.
  
• Bachelor’s in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Engineering, or Applied Physics (Master’s/PhD ).
  

Responsibilities:

• Serve as Subject Matter Expert in precision instrument development (electro-mechanical, electro-optical, MEMS).
  
• Lead end-to-end instrument development from concept to manufacturing.
  
• Evaluate customer requirements and lead design of sensor-based solutions.
  
• Oversee multidisciplinary engineering teams and manage risk mitigation strategies.
  
• Develop and test experimental hardware to validate design concepts.
  
• Collaborate on prototype and production hardware development.
  
• Integrate instruments into broader systems to meet performance targets.
  
• Create fabrication processes and author technical documentation.
  
• Deliver training to internal teams and external partners.