Lead Hardware Engineer

The Headhunters, LLC; Sterling Heights (MI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 220,000; Full time

Job summary

The Headhunters, LLC is seeking a senior hardware engineer to lead the full development life cycle for automotive ECUs, including schematic design, PCB layout, and product architecture definition. You will collaborate across teams to design for manufacturing and set the technical direction.

You will mentor junior engineers, ensure compliance with ASPICE HWE levels, and interface with OEMs and validation labs to meet safety and reliability targets.

Qualifications

• 15+ years in automotive electronic circuit design (analog and digital).
• Experience in full lifecycle development for Tier 1 / OEMs.
• Strong background in power electronics and MCU-based systems for high-volume production.
• Knowledge of automotive electrical architectures, EMC design, OEM validation plans and safety standards.
• Experience with ECAD tools, simulation tools, and electrical lab equipment.

Responsibilities

• Work products created and managed according to ASPICE HWE.1 to HWE.4 that meet CL2
• Launch products with zero defects related to hardware engineering and product development
• Component selection to ensure design feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and performance targets
• Guide and execute validation testing, including EMI/EMC, thermal, vibration, humidity, and long-term aging
• Interface with automotive OEMs and validation labs to ensure compliance with customer-specific engineering standards

Skills

Automotive circuit design

Power electronics

Microcontroller-based systems

Leadership / mentoring

Education

BSEE

MSEE a plus

Tools

ECAD tools

Simulation tools

Electrical lab equipment

Job description

Company Information

This is an established, successful company entering a growth stage, thanks to the success of their new generation of products. They’re looking at major revenue growth in the next several years and need some key people to make it as successful as possible. They offer a solid foundation, room to grow, and generous benefits, such as 100% covered health insurance.

Position Description

In this position, you’ll lead the full development life cycle for automotive ECUs, including design, simulation, prototyping, and manufacturing launch. Your technical work will include schematic design (analog and digital circuit design), PCB layout, and defining the technical architecture of product hardware.

In addition, you’ll help transition the team to a more structured development approach. This includes mentoring junior engineers on how to hit deadlines, meet safety standards, and design for manufacturing.

Other responsibilities include:

• Work products created and managed according to ASPICE HWE.1 to HWE.4 that meet CL2
• Launch products with zero defects related to hardware engineering and product development
• Component selection to ensure design feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and performance targets
• Guide and execute validation testing, including EMI/EMC, thermal, vibration, humidity, and long‑term aging
• Interface with automotive OEMs and validation labs to ensure compliance with customer‑specific engineering standards

Qualifications

• BSEE (MSEE a plus) and 15+ years of experience in automotive electronic circuit design (analog and digital)
• Experience in highly‑structured full life‑cycle development for Tier 1 suppliers or OEMs
• A strong background in power electronics and microcontroller‑based systems for high‑volume production environments.
• Knowledge of automotive electrical architectures, EMC design practices, executing OEM validation plans, environmental, and functional safety standards.
• Experience with ECAD and simulation tools, plus electrical lab equipment.
• Excellent leadership skills, with a proven ability to mentor team members

Compensation:

H-1B visa transfers and TN visa holders can be considered for this opening.

This is a direct‑hire position, with a full benefit package.