Principle Hardware Engineer

ALTEN; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consultancy seeks a Principal Hardware Engineer with over 10 years of experience to lead the development of mission-critical mixed-signal hardware systems for defence applications. This senior role involves ownership of complex projects, architecture design, and mentoring of junior engineers, promising a rewarding career in a dynamic sector.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Pension Scheme

Cycle-to-work Scheme

Flexible way of working

Personalised career path

Participation in exciting engineering projects

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in hardware/electronics design in defence/aerospace.
• Experience with embedded systems and full-lifecycle hardware development.
• Comfortable with on-site presence of at least 3 days per week.

Responsibilities

• Take full technical ownership of complex hardware design projects.
• Architect high-performance mixed-signal solutions integrating various components.
• Lead FMEA activities and ensure technical compliance.

Skills

Leadership

Mixed-signal design

High-speed digital design

EMC/EMI knowledge

Signal integrity

Thermal management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electronics or Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Altium

Mentor Graphics

OrCAD

Job description

Company Description

Are you passionate about engineering? Do you want to make a difference?

You could be one of our 54k+ colleagues in over 30 countries working on inspiring projects in the most innovative companies.

Join us and start building tomorrow's world today!

Job Description

Join ALTEN Ltd, a trusted engineering consultancy delivering innovation across critical UK defence and aerospace programmes. We're looking for a Principal Hardware Engineer with 10+ years' experience to lead the development of cutting-edge mission-critical mixed-signal hardware systems for a next-generation defence platform.

This is a senior-level, hands-on leadership role with influence across architecture, compliance, integration, and delivery - ideal for someone who thrives in high-integrity, safety-critical environments.

What will you be doing?

• Take full technical ownership of complex hardware design projects - from concept to delivery
• Architect high-performance mixed-signal solutions integrating FPGAs, SoCs, ADCs/DACs, high-speed interfaces, memory subsystems, and power delivery
• Guide schematic capture, simulation, PCB layout, and hardware bring-up, ensuring designs meet signal integrity, thermal, and EMC/EMI constraints
• Apply in-depth knowledge of DO-254, DO-160, and other defence/aerospace safety-critical standards
• Lead FMEA activities, support requirements traceability, and ensure alignment with airworthiness/regulatory compliance
• Provide technical guidance across cross-functional teams (systems, firmware, software, mechanical) and lead internal design reviews
• Serve as a key point of contact with clients and stakeholders, confidently presenting solutions and resolving complex technical issues
• Actively mentor and coach mid-level and junior engineers, setting best practices in hardware design and delivery
• Influence roadmap, bid activity, and solution development at a programme level

Qualifications

Who are we looking for?

• 10+ years' experience in hardware/electronics design, ideally within defence, aerospace, or other safety-critical sectors
• Demonstrated ability to lead full-lifecycle hardware development for complex embedded systems.
• Deep experience with mixed-signal and high-speed digital design, including design for reliability and manufacturability (DfX)
• Expert knowledge of EMC/EMI, signal integrity, power integrity, and thermal management
• Confident with tools such as Altium, Mentor Graphics (Xpedition or PADS), OrCAD, and simulation environments
• Fluent in safety-critical development practices (e.g. DO-254, DO-160, DEF-STANs), with an understanding of export control, modular certification, and system safety
• Experienced in presenting to stakeholders, influencing design decisions, and managing engineering risks

Qualifications & Clearance

• Minimum Bachelor's degree in Electronics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field (Master's preferred)
• Must hold or be fully eligible for UK SC Clearance
• Comfortable with an on-site presence of at least 3 days per week in Hertfordshire

Additional Information

Why join us?

We foster a community of dually talented individuals who are both entrepreneurs and technology specialists. Our teams embody the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, enabling us to develop solutions most efficiently.

Our commitment to sustainable growth is unwavering, and we continuously strive for accelerated transformation and continuous improvement. Through ALTEN labs, mentoring programs, internal universities, and more, we are always pushing boundaries and embracing new possibilities.

We offer incredible opportunities to join inspiring projects in the most innovative companies.

We prioritise your career development with personalised support plans tailored to your own aspirations. We're here to empower you and help you reach your full potential.

Join our passionate team and start building tomorrow, today!

In short you get:

• A personalised career path and a rewarding management style
• A chance to work on the most exciting engineering projects and technologies along with Premium Customers
• A huge diversity of engineering projects and industries
• A competitive salary
• Private Medical Insurance
• Pension Scheme
• Cycle-to-work Scheme among many additional benefits
• Social atmosphere, regular gatherings, and team buildings
• Flexible way of working (role dependent)

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