Senior High-Speed Digital Hardware Engineer

Cambrian Works, Inc.; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

A technology firm in San Jose is seeking a Senior High-Speed Digital Hardware Engineer to oversee the entire board lifecycle, ensuring high-speed designs meet rigorous standards. The role involves collaboration in Agile environments, managing fabrication vendors, and performing hands-on diagnostics. The ideal candidate is experienced in PCIe, Gigabit Ethernet, and FPGA-based architectures. This is a full-time, mid-senior level position offering opportunity for growth and innovation in cutting-edge technology.

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge of PCIe, Gigabit Ethernet, and DDR memory systems.
• Proficiency in EDA tools for schematic capture and layout review.
• Advanced soldering skills and experience with diagnostic equipment.

Responsibilities

• Design and validate systems with PCIe and high-bandwidth Gigabit Ethernet.
• Manage external contractors for board layout and fabrication.
• Perform lab rework and collaborate in an Agile environment.

Skills

PCIe

Gigabit Ethernet

DDR memory systems

FPGA-based architectures

Agile workflow

Tools

Altium

Cadence

oscilloscopes

VNAs

BERTs

Job description

Senior High-Speed Digital Hardware Engineer

We are looking for a versatile High-Speed Digital Hardware Engineer who can bridge the gap between complex theoretical design and rapid physical execution. You will be responsible for the entire board lifecycle—from architectural input and complex FPGA breakouts to managing fabrication vendors and performing hands‑on lab rework.

The ideal candidate has deep expertise in PCIe, Gigabit Ethernet (10G/100G/400G), and DDR memory systems, and thrives in Agile environments where they must communicate technical trade‑offs across multi‑disciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Advanced Interface & System Design
  • High‑Speed Protocol Implementation: Design and validate complex systems featuring PCIe (Gen 4/5/6), DDR4/5, and high‑bandwidth Gigabit Ethernet.
  • FPGA & Processor Integration: Create complex boards that break out high‑pin‑count functionality from FPGAs and processors, ensuring signal integrity through dense fan‑outs and escapes.
  • Switching Architectures: Provide architectural input and design implementation for high‑speed Ethernet switches and data‑plane hardware.
• Layout, Fabrication & Contractor Management
  • Contractor Oversight: Direct external board layout and fabrication contractors; verify that layout design rules for high‑speed signals (impedance control, differential pair matching, etc.) are strictly followed.
  • Rapid Fabrication: Partner with fabrication houses to accelerate the path from concept to assembly, managing the fabrication of existing and new high‑speed designs.
  • Revision Control: Strictly follow company processes for version control and engineering design guidelines.
• Hands‑on Diagnosis & Multi‑disciplinary Collaboration
  • Design Review: Audit schematics, layouts, and product design guides to diagnose issues and ensure adherence to vendor design‑in requirements.
  • Lab Rework: Perform precision soldering and wire modifications to rework or “blue‑wire” boards for immediate testing and validation.
  • Cross‑Functional Iteration: Work within an Agile process to iterate with mechanical and software colleagues on designs with competing needs (e.g., thermal constraints vs. signal routing).

Technical Requirements

• Core Expertise: Deep knowledge of Gigabit Ethernet, PCIe, DDR4/5, and FPGA‑based architectures.
• EDA Tools: Proficiency in Altium or Cadence for schematic capture and layout review.
• Lab Skills: Advanced soldering skills and experience using high‑end diagnostic equipment (oscilloscopes, VNAs, BERTs).
• Agile Workflow: Experience working within an Agile hardware development framework.

Professional Attributes

• Communication: Excellent verbal and written skills; able to generate professional presentations and documentation (Word/PDF) on results and status.
• Target‑Driven: Able to articulate goals and milestone dates and regularly achieve those targets.
• Detail‑Oriented: Meticulous approach to design reviews and revision control to minimize board spins.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

• Engineering and Information Technology
• Defense and Space Manufacturing