Hardware Engineer

Actalent; Washington; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Actalent is seeking a Hardware Engineer to design, test, and validate board-level hardware for networking and microprocessor-based products. The role focuses on digital hardware design, high-speed Ethernet technologies, and system-level integration, with collaboration across engineering teams to move concepts into production.

The candidate will have experience with microprocessor-based systems, 10Gb/s Ethernet networking hardware, and related protocols; RF/analog experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• 3+ years in hardware design; 5+ years preferred.
• Experience designing and developing PCB-based systems with schematic capture and layout tools.
• Strong background in microprocessor-based embedded systems and system-level integration.
• Knowledge of high-speed networking and Ethernet technologies, 10Gb/s or higher.
• End-to-end hardware development experience from concept to production.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage hardware projects from concept to production release.
• Develop designs, run simulations, debug issues, and document results.
• Test prototypes and perform failure analysis using lab equipment.
• Analyze signals and protocols to resolve hardware issues.
• Collaborate with product, software, and mechanical teams to meet specs and costs.
• Create and maintain accurate BoMs and interface with PCB/mechanical designers.

Skills

Digital hardware design

PCB layout & schematic capture

Microprocessor-based systems

10Gb/s Ethernet & high-speed networks

Signal integrity

Lab testing with scopes/logic analyers

Failure analysis

Fine-pitch component soldering

End-to-end hardware development

Cross-functional collaboration

Tools

PCB design tools

Job description

Job Description

Job Title: Hardware Engineer

Job Description

The Hardware Engineer designs, tests, and validates board-level hardware for advanced networking and microprocessor-based products. This role focuses on digital hardware design, high-speed Ethernet technologies, and system-level integration, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to bring products from concept through production release. Experience with microprocessor-based systems, computer networking hardware and protocols, and Ethernet LAN technologies at speeds of 10Gb/s and higher is important, and RF/analog circuit design experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage assigned hardware projects through all phases from concept to production release, ensuring delivery according to established schedules.
• Develop conceptual designs and architectures, implement hardware solutions, run simulations, debug issues, and thoroughly document designs and test results.
• Test and debug prototypes and perform failure analysis on products using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, packet generators, frequency generators, and other lab equipment.
• Perform detailed signal analysis of digital and analog circuits and conduct protocol analysis of digital circuits to identify and resolve hardware issues.
• Conduct oscilloscope probing on fine pitch components and perform rework and soldering of wires and components, including very small and fine-pitch devices.
• Collaborate closely with product management to ensure designs meet Product Requirement Documents and Technical Product Specifications while maintaining target product cost.
• Thoroughly test and verify products to ensure full conformance with industry standard specifications and internal quality requirements.
• Execute and support required tests for compliance agencies such as UL, CSA, TUV, and FCC, diagnose compliance failures, and implement corrective actions.
• Create, realize, and maintain accurate product Bills of Materials (BoMs) to ensure smooth transition and release to production.
• Interface directly with PCB designers and mechanical engineers to resolve CAD-related issues and ensure cohesive electro-mechanical design integration.
• Partner with software engineering teams to support hardware-related aspects of software development and system-level integration.
• Work with purchasing teams to coordinate procurement of prototype components and materials needed for development and testing.
• Collaborate with DVT and STRE teams to analyze test results, interpret data, and drive design improvements based on validation outcomes.
• Make timely, well-reasoned decisions, explain and support design choices, and involve appropriate stakeholders in the decision‑making process.
• Manage shifting priorities, maintain focus on commitments and deadlines, and plan and prioritize work activities to use time efficiently.
• Maintain regular, predictable attendance and work effectively despite interruptions and distractions, following instructions and responding to direction as needed.
• Commit to extended work hours when necessary to achieve project goals and meet critical milestones.
• Interact positively and productively across functions within the organization, taking ownership of responsibilities and actions.
• Build and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, receive and apply feedback to improve performance, and maintain a professional demeanor in stressful situations.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of experience in a hardware design position (5+ years preferred), with a focus on digital hardware and board-level design.
• Hands‑on experience designing and developing PCB‑based systems using schematic capture and layout tools.
• Strong background in microprocessor and embedded systems design, including system‑level integration of microprocessor-based architectures.
• Knowledge of high-speed networking and Ethernet technologies, particularly Ethernet LAN products at speeds of 10Gb/s or higher, and related networking hardware protocols.
• Proficiency in digital hardware design for PCB and systems, including high-speed design and board-level signal integrity considerations.
• Experience with end-to-end product development, owning hardware projects from concept through production release.
• Ability to test and debug hardware using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, packet generators, frequency generators, and other signal analysis tools.
• Capability to perform detailed failure analysis and troubleshoot both digital and analog circuits at the component and system level.
• Skill in probing fine pitch components down to 0.4 mm pin spacing and soldering wires onto fine pitch component leads and surrounding circuits.