ECU Hardware Design Engineer – Automotive

SARACA; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

SARACA is seeking an ECU Hardware Design Engineer for an on-site contract role in Irvine, CA. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of experience in hardware design, preferably in the automotive sector. Responsibilities include designing and developing automotive ECU systems, performing complex circuit design, and collaborating with other teams to optimize performance. Proficiency with PCB tools such as Altium, Cadence, and OrCAD is essential. This role demands strong communication skills as well as a problem-solving mindset.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in hardware design, preferably in Automotive.
• Hands-on experience with hardware validation and debugging.
• Strong knowledge of signal integrity, power integrity, and thermal design.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive ECU hardware systems.
• Perform analog and digital circuit design and validation.
• Conduct high-speed hardware debugging and failure analysis.

Skills

Hardware design

Communications

Problem-solving

Tools

Altium

Cadence

OrCAD

Job description

SARACA is an equal‑opportunity employer dedicated to helping our clients lead their industries.

Role Description

This is an on‑site contract role for an ECU Hardware Design Engineer – Automotive based in Irvine, CA. The role involves designing and developing hardware systems, including circuit design, electronics hardware, and hardware architecture, to support automotive electronic control units (ECU). The engineer will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to create innovative and reliable hardware solutions, perform testing, and ensure compliance with automotive industry standards. Responsibilities also include documentation of designs, troubleshooting, and optimizing hardware for performance and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop automotive ECU hardware systems
• Perform analog & digital circuit design and validation
• Conduct high‑speed hardware debugging and failure analysis
• Develop and execute test and validation plans
• Collaborate with software, firmware, and mechanical teams
• Improve system performance, reliability, and manufacturability

Required Skills

• 7+ years of experience in hardware design (Automotive preferred)
• Experience with PCB tools (Altium, Cadence, OrCAD)
• Knowledge of signal integrity, power integrity & thermal design
• Experience with high-speed interfaces (Ethernet, PCIe, MIPI, GMSL)
• Hands‑on hardware validation and debugging
• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills