Senior Hardware Design Engineer

Cooper Lomaz; Colchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Colchester is seeking a Senior Hardware Design Engineer to lead the design and development of high-performance electronic hardware. You will manage complex projects from concept to production, mentor junior engineers, and collaborate across teams to ensure successful product outcomes. The ideal candidate has a degree in Electronic Engineering and a strong background in hardware design, with expertise in Altium Designer. Competitive salary range of £55k-£70k is offered, along with an opportunity to work in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electronic Engineering or equivalent experience.
• Strong background in hardware design and development.
• Experience in the test and measurement industry preferred.

Responsibilities

• Define technical requirements and design specifications with product teams.
• Lead design and development of digital, analogue, and RF hardware.
• Create detailed schematics and PCB layouts using Altium Designer.
• Select components, run simulations, and ensure performance.
• Develop and execute test plans for prototypes and final products.
• Debug and validate hardware with lab equipment.

Skills

High-speed digital design

RF design

Power management

EMI/EMC

Debugging with lab equipment

Experience with Altium Designer

Working in cross-disciplinary teams

Education

Degree in Electronic Engineering or equivalent

Tools

Altium Designer

Oscilloscopes

Logic analysers

Spectrum analysers

Job description

Senior Hardware Design Engineer
Location: Colchester
Salary: £55k-£70k

We’re looking for a Senior Hardware Design Engineer to lead the design, development, and testing of high-performance electronic hardware. You’ll manage complex projects from concept to production and support junior engineers along the way.

Main Responsibilities

• Work with product teams to define technical requirements and design specifications.
• Lead the design and development of digital, analogue, and RF hardware.
• Create detailed schematics and PCB layouts using Altium Designer.
• Select components, run simulations, and perform technical analysis to ensure strong performance.
• Develop and carry out test plans for prototypes and final products.
• Debug, validate, and verify hardware using lab equipment such as oscilloscopes, logic analysers, and spectrum analysers.
• Collaborate closely with software, mechanical, test, NPI, and manufacturing teams.
• Manage large hardware development projects through the full lifecycle—from concept to end‑of‑life.
• Mentor junior engineers and support their technical development.
• Produce and maintain clear technical documentation.
• Support production, sales teams, and customers with technical issues when required.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, standards, and competitor products.
• Take part in design reviews, audits, and continuous improvement activities.

What You’ll Need

• Education: Degree (Bachelor’s or Master’s) in Electronic Engineering, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience:
  • Strong background in hardware design and development.
  • Skilled in schematic capture and PCB design using Altium Designer.
  • Experience in the test and measurement industry (preferred).
• Technical Skills:
  • High-speed digital design, RF, power management, and EMI/EMC.
  • Confident debugging using standard lab equipment.
  • Experience working in cross-disciplinary engineering teams.
  • Knowledge of FPGA design (VHDL/Verilog) or microcontroller systems.
  • Understanding of embedded software principles.

If you’re an experienced hardware engineer who enjoys leading projects, solving complex design challenges, and mentoring others, we’d love to hear from you.