Senior Hardware Engineer

SOMA GmbH; Troy (MI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

SOMA GmbH in Troy, MI seeks a Senior Project Engineer – Hardware Electronics to lead the design, validation, and lifecycle support of automotive electronic hardware. You will analyze requirements, oversee schematic and PCB layout, validate with testing, and troubleshoot across teams and customers.

Requirements include a BSEE and 10+ years in hardware design, with LIN/CAN experience, DFMEA proficiency, and thermal/EMC analysis skills. This role collaborates with software and manufacturing teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) required.
• 10+ years of electronic hardware design experience, preferably automotive.
• Experience with LIN and CAN communication circuits.
• Proficiency in DFMEA, thermal analysis and EMC considerations.
• Knowledge of PCB layout and hardware prototyping processes.

Responsibilities

• Design circuit board schematics for discrete electronics and embedded controls.
• Perform engineering analyses including DFMEA and worst-case/thermal analyses.
• Serve as primary customer contact for hardware-related discussions.
• Select BOM for electrical hardware; coordinate with production and suppliers.
• Lead hardware development through all lifecycle phases; from concept to release.
• Produce hardware documentation and ensure traceability to specifications.
• Support DV/PV validation, including external EMC testing and troubleshooting.
• Present hardware strategies and issues to customers and bid teams.

Skills

Electrical Engineering

LIN/CAN comms

DFMEA

Thermal analysis

PWM DC motors

EMC considerations

Education

BSEE / Bachelor's in Electrical Engineering

Tools

Mathcad

PSpice

DFMEA

Thermal analysis

PCB Layout Tools

Job description

Position Summary

The Senior Project Engineer – Hardware Electronics is responsible for the design, development, and validation of electronic hardware for automotive control modules and switches. This role supports the complete hardware development lifecycle, including requirements analysis, schematic design, circuit analysis, PCB layout oversight, testing, and troubleshooting. The position works closely with cross‑functional teams and customers to deliver high‑quality hardware solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design circuit board schematics of discrete electronics and embedded microprocessor based controls per system requirements.
• Perform engineering analysis, including DFMEA, Worst Case Circuit Analysis, and Thermal Analysis.
• Be clear point of contact with customer.
• Responsible for BOM selection of electrical hardware.
• Interface closely with production and purchasing personnel to identify and approve suppliers.
• Participate in engineering design through all phases of the process including development.
• Responsible for electronic hardware prototype, pre‑production, qualification and product design maintenance.
• Conduct design and drawing reviews.
• Release designs to production.
• Perform hardware requirements analysis and provide traceability through customer specifications.
• Interface closely with software engineers and produce documentation detailing software control and strategies that apply to the hardware design.
• Support validation of modules during DV/PV phases, including external EMC lab testing and troubleshooting.
• Lead discussions with customers with regards to hardware development and troubleshooting efforts.
• Resolve technical/validation issues by following 8D process.
• Support hardware section of presentations to potential customers for bids on new business.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE).
• 10+ years of experience in electronic hardware design, preferably in the automotive industry.
• Experience with LIN and CAN communication circuits.
• Proficiency in WCCA (Mathcad, PSpice), DFMEA, and thermal analysis.
• Experience directing PCB layout with EMC considerations.
• Experience with Door control modules and/or memory seat modules with specific focus on DC motor controls using PWM is preferred.