Hardware Engineer - Electrical

Rentokil Initial; Waterlooville; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

23 days holiday

8 bank holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Health care

Job summary

Rentokil Initial is seeking an experienced Hardware Engineer in Waterlooville, Hampshire (Hybrid). You will drive hardware innovation, support development, optimization, and maintenance of electronics across 80+ countries.

You’ll lead continuous improvement projects and manage technical releases for developed and modified products. Key requirements include a strong electronics background, PCB design (Altium), manufacturing experience, and familiarity with firmware/software control.

Qualifications

• BSc/BEng Honours in Electronics Engineering or equivalent.
• Hands-on experience across the entire product lifecycle with multi-component devices.
• Experience with PCB design software (Altium Designer).
• Experience in electronics manufacturing processes, assembly and hardware testing.
• Knowledge of software/scripting languages such as JavaScript is desirable.
• Familiarity with regulatory affairs and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Lead hardware optimization, root-cause analysis, and design changes for existing products.
• Own cross-functional projects from electronics design to manufacturing perspective.
• Manage technical release and product approvals.
• Document firmware and software modification processes.
• Maintain technical specs, variant packs and test data reports.

Skills

Electronics engineering

PCB design (Altium)

Hardware testing

Project leadership

JavaScript knowledge

Education

BSc/BEng Honours in Electronics Engineering

Tools

Altium Designer

Job description

Are you an experienced Hardware Engineer looking to drive hardware innovation on a global scale?

Rentokil Initial is seeking an Engineer to support the development, optimization, and maintenance of cutting‑edge hardware products used across 80+ countries. Based in Waterlooville, Hampshire (Hybrid), you will play a critical role in transitioning new products from the development phase into in-life sustaining, while leading continuous improvement projects for our existing electronics portfolio.

Key Responsibilities:

• Hardware Optimization: Lead root cause analysis and implement design modifications, hardware upgrades, and performance improvements for existing electronic products.
• Project Leadership: Lead cross‑functional change and optimization projects from an electronics design and manufacturing perspective, collaborating with Supply Chain, QA, IT, and Marketing teams.
• Product Lifecycle Management: Manage the technical release and product approval process for developed and modified products.
• Firmware & Software: Understand, document, and control the process for firmware and software modifications.
• Technical Documentation: Maintain technical specifications, product variant packs, and technical files. Capture test data in comprehensive written reports and assess launch readiness and risk mitigation.
• Supplier Collaboration: Maintain strong technical relationships with external electronics suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• Quality Assurance: Proactively resolve product quality issues through to Engineering Change Note (ECN) release, working closely with the Validation team to ensure desired results.

Technical Requirements:

• Project Portfolio Management: Ability to manage complex engineering projects while identifying opportunities for standardization, simplification, and cost optimization.
• Structured Development: A methodological approach to electronics development, relying on the definition and validation of technical models rather than empirical guesswork.
• Analytical Problem Solving: Strong ability to generate and interpret technical test data, drawing actionable conclusions.
• Commercial Acumen: Understanding of product cost structures, manufacturing costs, and the financial considerations required to assess the commercial viability of design initiatives.

Relevant Qualifications & Experience:

• BSc/BEng Honours degree (or equivalent experience) in Electronics Engineering, Hardware Engineering, or a similar technical discipline.
• Proven technical expertise as an Electronics Engineer or Electronics Manager across the entire product lifecycle, specifically with multi‑component assembled devices.
• Hands‑on experience with PCB design software, specifically Altium Designer.
• Experience in electronics manufacturing processes, assembly, and hardware testing.
• Knowledge of software/scripting languages, such as JavaScript, is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with regional or international regulatory affairs and compliance.
• Strong project leadership skills within a matrixed, multi‑national organization.
• Competitive salary and bonus scheme
• Hybrid working
• Rentokil Initial Reward Scheme
• 23 days holiday, plus 8 bank holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in service benefit
• Healthcare
• Free parking

At Rentokil Initial, our customers and colleagues represent diverse backgrounds and experiences. We take pride in being an equal opportunity employer, actively encouraging applications from individuals from all walks of life. Our belief is that everyone irrespective of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs, has the potential to thrive and contribute.

We embrace the differences that make each of our colleagues unique, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone can be their authentic selves and feel a sense of belonging. To ensure that your journey with us is accessible if you have any individual requirements we invite you to communicate any specific needs or preferences you may have during any stage of the recruitment process. Our team is available to support you; feel free to reach out to [e-mail] if you need anything

Be Yourself in Your Application! At Rentokil Initial, we value innovation, but we want to see the real you! While AI can help with structure and grammar, make sure your application shows your true passion and understanding of the role. A personal touch will help you stand out.