Hardware Developer

Smart Node; Vadodara; On-site; INR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Smart Node seeks a hands-on Hardware Developer to join the R&D team for IoT and home automation products. You will lead schematic design, PCB layout, prototyping, testing, and production support to deliver robust hardware solutions.

The role demands deep electronics knowledge, SMPS/Flyback expertise, and the ability to independently source components, run calculations, and collaborate with firmware, software, and mechanical teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years hands-on hardware development experience.
• Strong understanding of analog and digital electronics.
• Good practical understanding of SMPS and Flyback power supplies.
• Ability to read datasheets and application notes.
• Ability to independently research, evaluate, and select components for new applications.

Responsibilities

• Design schematics and PCBs for IoT and home automation products.
• Design compact and reliable PCBs while following electrical, thermal, EMI/EMC, creepage, clearance, and manufacturing requirements.
• Optimize PCB size, component placement, and routing without unnecessarily increasing the number of PCB layers.
• Apply proper techniques for grounding, power distribution, signal integrity, thermal management, and noise reduction.
• Design and understand SMPS circuits, particularly Flyback converters.
• Perform basic power-supply calculations and select appropriate controllers, transformers, MOSFETs, diodes, inductors, capacitors, and protection components.
• Independently research and select components using datasheets, application notes, reference designs, manufacturer documentation, cost, availability, and lifecycle information.
• Build prototypes and perform hardware testing, debugging, and troubleshooting.
• Identify root causes of hardware problems and implement appropriate design improvements.
• Work closely with firmware, software, mechanical, and production teams.
• Prepare and maintain schematics, PCB files, BOMs, component specifications, and hardware documentation.
• Support designs from initial concept through prototype, validation, and production.

Skills

Analog & Digital Electronics

SMPS Flyback

PCB Design

Schematic Capture

Component Selection

Testing & Debugging

Power Electronics

EMI/EMC

Thermal Management

Grounding & Power Distribution

DFM/Production

Interfaces: IC/SPI/UART

Tools

Altium Designer

KiCad

DipTrace

Job description

Job Description Hardware Developer

Position: Hardware Developer
Experience: 2+ Years
Work Mode: Onsite
Reporting To: CTO
Industry: IoT & Home Automation

About the Role

We are looking for a Hardware Developer to join our R&D team and work on IoT and home automation products. The role involves complete hardware development, including schematic design, component selection, PCB design, prototyping, testing, debugging, and production support.

The ideal candidate should have strong practical knowledge of electronics and PCB design, a good understanding of SMPS, especially Flyback converters, and the ability to independently research and solve hardware design challenges.

Key Responsibilities

• Design schematics and PCBs for IoT and home automation products.
• Design compact and reliable PCBs while following electrical, thermal, EMI/EMC, creepage, clearance, and manufacturing requirements.
• Optimize PCB size, component placement, and routing without unnecessarily increasing the number of PCB layers.
• Apply proper techniques for grounding, power distribution, signal integrity, thermal management, and noise reduction.
• Design and understand SMPS circuits, particularly Flyback converters.
• Perform basic power-supply calculations and select appropriate controllers, transformers, MOSFETs, diodes, inductors, capacitors, and protection components.
• Independently research and select components using datasheets, application notes, reference designs, manufacturer documentation, cost, availability, and lifecycle information.
• Build prototypes and perform hardware testing, debugging, and troubleshooting.
• Identify root causes of hardware problems and implement appropriate design improvements.
• Work closely with firmware, software, mechanical, and production teams.
• Prepare and maintain schematics, PCB files, BOMs, component specifications, and hardware documentation.
• Support designs from initial concept through prototype, validation, and production.

Testing & Laboratory Skills

The candidate should have practical experience using common electronic test and measurement equipment, including:

• DSO / Digital Storage Oscilloscope
• Digital Multimeter (DMM)
• DC Power Supply
• Electronic Load
• Function / Signal Generator
• LCR Meter
• Logic Analyzer
• Soldering and rework equipment

The candidate should be able to correctly select and use test equipment, configure appropriate measurement conditions, interpret waveforms and measurements, and troubleshoot hardware systematically.

Soldering & Prototyping

• Good hands-on soldering skills are required.
• Ability to solder and rework SMD and through-hole components.
• Ability to assemble and modify prototypes safely and neatly.
• Familiarity with hot-air rework, soldering stations, and basic PCB repair is an advantage.
• Ability to inspect solder joints and identify common assembly defects.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of hands‑on hardware development experience.
• Strong understanding of analog and digital electronics.
• Good practical understanding of SMPS and Flyback power supplies.
• Experience with schematic and PCB design tools such as Altium Designer, KiCad, DipTrace, or equivalent.
• Ability to read and understand datasheets and application notes.
• Ability to independently research, evaluate, and select components for new applications.
• Good understanding of:
• PCB layout and routing
• Grounding and power distribution
• Signal integrity
• EMI/EMC considerations
• Thermal management
• Creepage and clearance
• DFM and production requirements
• Strong hardware debugging and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to perform basic engineering calculations and make technically justified design decisions.
• Good understanding of common interfaces such as IC, SPI, UART, RS-485, CAN, etc. is an advantage.

IoT & Home Automation Experience

Experience with the following will be an advantage:

• ESP32 or similar microcontrollers
• Wi‑Fi / Bluetooth-based products
• IoT devices and controllers
• Smart switches and home automation products
• Sensors and actuators
• Relay-based products
• AC mains interfacing
• Low‑voltage power supplies
• Communication interfaces

Preferred

• Experience with AC mains / high‑voltage hardware.
• Experience with isolated power supplies and Flyback transformers.
• Experience with production‑ready PCB design.
• Practical understanding of EMI/EMC issues in switching and IoT products.
• Experience working with PCB manufacturers and assembly houses.

What We Expect

The candidate should be capable of taking a hardware requirement and independently researching the solution, selecting suitable components, performing calculations, designing the schematic and PCB, building the prototype, testing it with appropriate equipment, debugging issues, and improving the design.

Strong technical curiosity, ownership, practical hands‑on skills, attention to detail, and willingness to research and learn are highly valued for this position.