Senior Electronic Hardware Design Engineer

RecruitPro Solutions Pty Ltd; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering recruitment firm in Cape Town is looking for a Senior Electronic Hardware Design Engineer. This role demands over 10 years of hardware design experience, with specialization in aerospace or defence sectors. Key responsibilities include leading LRUs design, mentoring engineers, and ensuring compliance with industry standards. Proficiency in circuit simulation and PCB layout tools is crucial for success in this position.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in electronic hardware design, preferably in aerospace or defence.
• Expertise in analogue, digital, and communication hardware design.
• Knowledge of industry standards such as DO-160 and MIL-STD-704.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and validation of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs).
• Collaborate with teams for hardware integration.
• Mentor junior engineers and support technical reviews.

Skills

Electronic hardware design

Schematic design

PCB layout

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

BEng or MEng in Electronic Engineering

Tools

Altium

LTspice

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Introduction

We are looking for a highly experienced Senior Electronic Hardware Design Engineer to take a leading role in the design, development, and testing of Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) for cutting-edge defence and aerospace applications. This position requires deep technical expertise in electronic circuit simulation, schematic design, and PCB layout, as well as proven experience guiding projects from concept through to production. The successful candidate will also play a key role in mentoring junior engineers and ensuring designs meet stringent industry standards.

Duties & Responsibilities

Lead the design, simulation, schematic capture, and PCB layout of LRUs in line with system specifications

Apply and follow electronic hardware design processes, ensuring thorough documentation in line with hardware design plans

Take part in technical peer reviews, providing feedback and ensuring design quality

Mentor and guide junior engineers, offering technical support and leadership

Collaborate with cross-disciplinary teams (software, mechanical, DSP, RF, aeronautical) to achieve seamless hardware integration

Test, validate, and verify hardware designs against applicable standards (DO-160, MIL-STD-704)

Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues impacting design and performance

Stay up to date with advancements in electronic hardware design and apply innovations to ongoing and future projects

Desired Experience and Qualifications

BEng or MEng in Electronic Engineering (or equivalent qualification)

Minimum of 10 years’ experience in hardware design (15 years preferred); aerospace or defence sector experience advantageous

Extensive expertise in analogue, digital, and communication electronic hardware design

Proficiency in :

Altium (non-negotiable)

LTspice or similar circuit simulation software

Microsoft Word and Excel

Strong knowledge of schematic design, PCB design, circuit analysis, development processes, and testing procedures

Familiarity with key industry standards, including DO-160, MIL-STD-461, MIL-STD-704, MIL-STD-810, and DO-254

Preferred technical experience :

3U VPX and 3U VPX backplane design

MTBF calculations and FMEA circuit analysis

High-speed digital design (50GbE to 100GbE)

Ansys and IPC PCB design courses for military and aerospace applications

Soft Skills :

Strong problem-solving ability with excellent attention to detail

Ability to work independently with minimal guidance and contribute effectively to multidisciplinary teams

Commitment to following structured design processes and delivering high-quality, reliable designs