Principal Electrical Hardware Engineer

Placements24; Pretoria; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Stock options

Health insurance

Flexible time off

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Electrical Hardware Engineer in Pretoria to lead the design, development, and validation of advanced electrical hardware systems. The role combines architecture, system requirements, and cross-disciplinary collaboration for high-performance applications.

You will mentor engineers, drive innovation, and shape the hardware roadmap while coordinating closely with firmware and software teams in a hybrid work environment.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 12+ years of experience in electrical hardware design and development for complex systems.
• Led hardware development projects from concept to production.
• Expertise with PCB design tools and simulation software.
• Deep understanding of analog and digital circuit design, power electronics, and embedded systems.
• Strong knowledge of signal integrity, power integrity, and EMC/ EMI principles.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural design and development of complex electrical hardware systems for high-performance applications.
• Define system requirements, specifications, and design methodologies for new product development.
• Oversee PCB design including schematic capture, layout guidance, and signal integrity analysis.
• Perform power integrity, thermal management, and EMC design.
• Develop and execute hardware validation test plans and failure analysis.
• Collaborate with firmware and software teams to ensure hardware–software integration.
• Mentor junior engineers and conduct design reviews to ensure technical rigor and quality.
• Stay abreast of emerging hardware technologies and assess their applicability to future products.
• Contribute to the strategic roadmap for hardware development and innovation.

Skills

PCB design

Power electronics

Analog design

Digital design

Signal integrity

EMC/EMI

Hardware bring-up

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Ph.D. or Master's in Electrical Engineering or closely related field

Tools

Altium Designer

Cadence Allegro

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneer in advanced technology solutions and hardware development, is seeking a distinguished Principal Electrical Hardware Engineer to join their esteemed team in Pretoria, Gauteng . This high-impact role demands a seasoned professional with extensive expertise in the design, development, and validation of complex electrical hardware systems. You will be instrumental in driving innovation, architecting next-generation products, and leading critical R&D initiatives. This position offers a hybrid work model, blending the benefits of on-site collaboration with strategic remote flexibility. If you are a visionary engineer passionate about creating groundbreaking electrical hardware and possess a proven history of technical leadership, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architectural design and development of complex electrical hardware systems for high-performance applications.
• Define system requirements, specifications, and design methodologies for new product development.
• Oversee the design of printed circuit boards (PCBs), including schematic capture, component selection, layout guidance, and signal integrity analysis.
• Perform detailed power integrity analysis, thermal management, and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) design.
• Develop and execute comprehensive test plans for hardware validation, performance verification, and failure analysis.
• Collaborate closely with firmware and software engineering teams to ensure seamless hardware-software integration.
• Mentor junior engineers, provide technical guidance, and conduct design reviews to ensure technical rigor and quality.
• Stay abreast of emerging hardware technologies, components, and design tools, and assess their applicability to future products.
• Contribute to the strategic roadmap for hardware development and innovation within the organization.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related field.
• 12+ years of experience in electrical hardware design and development, with a strong focus on complex systems.
• Proven experience in leading hardware development projects from concept to production.
• Expertise in PCB design tools (e.g., Altium Designer, Cadence Allegro) and simulation software.
• Deep understanding of analog and digital circuit design, power electronics, and embedded systems.
• Strong knowledge of signal integrity, power integrity, and EMC/EMI principles and mitigation techniques.
• Experience with hardware bring-up, debugging, and validation methodologies.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and solve challenging technical problems.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package, including a significant bonus and potential for stock options.
• Premium health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Ample paid time off and flexible working arrangements.
• Opportunities to attend and present at leading industry conferences.
• A dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment focused on innovation and technological excellence.