Hardware Board Designer

Technical-Link N. America; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Technical-Link N. America is seeking a Hardware Engineer III to own and drive complex electronic hardware for spacecraft subsystems.

You will lead analog, digital, and power electronics design, collaborating across software, firmware, mechanical, and PCB teams to deliver reliable, orbit-ready hardware. You will mentor engineers, guide layout and testing, and ensure mission-critical performance through SPICE and SI/PI analyses in radiation environments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years designing embedded and board-level hardware.
• Strong high-speed digital/analog design, FPGAs and memory architectures.
• Experience with schematic capture and PCB tools: Altium, OrCAD, HyperLynx.
• Proficiency in signal and power integrity, impedance control, EMI/EMC.
• Familiarity with radiation testing and space-grade components.
• Excellent problem-solving and cross-functional collaboration.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.

Responsibilities

• Lead Advanced Hardware Design: drive design, validation, and debugging of complex systems.
• Develop High-Speed Interfaces: Rocket I/O, Ethernet, PCIe, DDR, RS-422, LVDS for spacecraft.
• Design Power Systems: linear and high-efficiency switching supplies.
• Guide PCB Layout: stack-up, impedance control, signal integrity, EMI/EMC.
• Perform Advanced Analyses: SPICE, signal/power integrity for radiation environments.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: coordinate with software, mechanical, systems teams.
• Document and Review: ICDs, specifications, test procedures, manuals.
• Support Manufacturing and Test: troubleshooting, integration, test automation (Linux, Python, PowerShell, VHDL).
• Ensure Compliance: radiation, EMI/EMC, space-grade reliability.
• Mentor and Lead: guide juniors and improve design processes.

Skills

Complex hardware development

System-level thinking

PCB design expertise

Technical leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Altium

OrCAD

HyperLynx

Job description

As a Hardware Engineer III, you’ll take technical ownership of complex electronic hardware that powers spacecraft subsystems. You’ll lead the design and development of high-speed, analog, digital, and power electronics, driving embedded board-level solutions from concept through integration. This role blends deep technical expertise with cross-functional leadership—partnering with software, firmware (HDL), mechanical, and PCB layout teams to deliver high-reliability hardware ready for orbit. You’ll also provide technical guidance, mentor engineers, and ensure that every design meets mission-critical performance standards.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead Advanced Hardware Design: Drive the design, validation, and debugging of analog, power, and embedded board-level electronic systems.
• Develop High-Speed Interfaces: Design Rocket I/O, Ethernet, PCI-e, DDR, RS-422, and LVDS interfaces for FPGAs, microcontrollers, and memory devices used in spacecraft systems.
• Design Power Systems: Develop linear and high-efficiency switching power supplies to meet demanding board-level voltage and current requirements.
• Guide PCB Layout: Provide expert direction for stack-up configuration, impedance control, signal and power integrity, and EMI/EMC considerations.
• Perform Advanced Analyses: Conduct SPICE simulations and signal/power integrity analysis to ensure robust operation in radiation and space environments.
• Collaborate Across Disciplines: Work closely with software, firmware, mechanical, and systems teams to achieve seamless hardware integration and performance alignment.
• Document and Review: Develop and review detailed design documentation, including specifications, Interface Control Documents (ICDs), test procedures, and user manuals.
• Support Manufacturing and Test: Lead troubleshooting, system integration, and test automation efforts using Linux, Python, PowerShell, or VHDL reference designs.
• Ensure Compliance: Oversee component selection and validation to meet radiation, EMI/EMC, and space-grade reliability requirements.
• Mentor and Lead: Provide technical guidance to junior engineers and contribute to the continuous improvement of design processes and methodologies.

YOU’RE AWESOME AT:

• Complex Hardware Development: You thrive on designing and validating advanced, high-speed electronic systems for mission-critical applications.
• System-Level Thinking: You see the full picture—balancing performance, manufacturability, and integration across multiple subsystems.
• PCB Design Expertise: You guide layout teams with precision on stack-up design, routing, and signal integrity strategies.
• Technical Leadership: You’re confident leading reviews, mentoring peers, and making design decisions that influence spacecraft success.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline (Master’s preferred).
• 5 or more years of experience designing and developing complex embedded and board-level electronic hardware.
• Strong background in high-speed digital and analog circuit design, including FPGAs, microprocessor-based systems, and memory architectures.
• Experience with schematic capture and PCB design tools such as Altium, OrCAD, or HyperLynx.
• Proficiency in signal and power integrity analysis, impedance control, and EMI/EMC compliance.
• Familiarity with radiation testing, space-grade component selection, and thermal management.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and cross-functional collaboration abilities.
• Ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance.