Hardware Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Hardware Engineer Job Description

This Hardware Engineer role focuses on board-level design and testing of advanced networking products. You will lead hardware development projects from concept through production release, working with microprocessor-based systems, digital hardware design, and computer networking hardware and protocols. The position emphasizes high-speed Ethernet technologies at 10Gb/s and above, with opportunities to apply RF and analog circuit design experience. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure products meet technical specifications, cost targets, quality standards, and industry compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

• Manage assigned hardware projects through all phases from initial concept to production release, following established schedules and delivering on time.
• Develop conceptual designs and system architectures for microprocessor-based and digital hardware systems.
• Implement detailed board-level designs using schematic capture and coordinate with layout teams for PCB development.
• Perform design simulations, analyze results, and refine designs to ensure performance, reliability, and compliance with specifications.
• Test and debug hardware prototypes, including performing failure analysis on products to identify root causes and corrective actions.
• Conduct oscilloscope probing of fine-pitch components and perform rework and soldering of wires and components on densely populated PCBs.
• Analyze digital and analog signals and perform protocol analysis of digital circuits to validate correct operation and identify issues.
• Work closely with the product manager to ensure designs meet the Product Requirement Document and Technical Product Specification while achieving target product cost.
• Thoroughly test and verify products to ensure full conformance to industry standard specifications and corporate quality requirements.
• Plan and execute tests required by compliance agencies such as UL, CSA, TUV, and FCC, and diagnose and debug any compliance failures.
• Create, realize, and maintain accurate and complete product Bills of Materials (BoMs) to support smooth release to production.
• Collaborate directly with PCB designers and mechanical engineers to resolve CAD-related issues and ensure mechanical and electrical compatibility.
• Partner with software engineering teams to support software development and integration for the hardware platform.
• Coordinate with purchasing teams to procure prototype components and materials in a timely manner.
• Work with DVT (Design Verification Test) and STRE (reliability and environmental testing) teams to review, analyze, and act on test results.
• Use lab test equipment, including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, packet generators, and frequency generators, to validate and debug hardware designs.
• Document designs, test procedures, results, and design changes thoroughly to support traceability and future maintenance.
• Prioritize and manage shifting tasks and project priorities while consistently meeting commitments and deadlines.
• Respond constructively to feedback, take ownership of responsibilities and actions, and maintain a professional demeanor in stressful situations.
• Support extended work hours when necessary to achieve project milestones and business goals.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of experience in a hardware design position, with 5+ years preferred.
• 3+ years of experience designing and developing PCB-based systems using schematic capture and layout tools.
• Hands-on experience with digital hardware design at the PCB and system level.
• Practical experience with microprocessor-based architectures and system-level integration.
• Knowledge of Ethernet technologies at 10Gb/s or higher and familiarity with networking hardware protocols.
• Proficiency in hardware debugging and validation using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, packet generators, frequency generators, and other signal analysis tools.
• Ability to perform board-level test, debug, and failure analysis on digital and analog circuits.
• Ability to probe fine-pitch components down to 0.4 mm pin spacing using appropriate lab tools.
• Ability to solder wires onto fine-pitch component leads and surrounding circuits and rework small components down to 0.2 x 0.1 mm in size.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to document designs and communicate clearly across functions.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize work, plan activities, and use time efficiently.
• Ability to work independently with minimal detailed supervision while taking ownership of deliverables.
• Ability to maintain a professional and courteous demeanor, including during high-pressure or stressful situations.
• Ability to manage shifting priorities, handle multiple interruptions and distractions, and still meet deadlines.
• Ability and willingness to make timely decisions, exercise sound and accurate judgment, and involve appropriate stakeholders in decision-making.
• Ability to follow instructions, respond to direction, and maintain regular, predictable attendance.
• Willingness to commit to extended work hours when needed to meet project goals.
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or equivalent education.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with RF and analog circuit design is a plus.
• Experience owning end-to-end hardware development from concept through production release.
• Familiarity with compliance testing processes and requirements for agencies such as UL, CSA, TUV, and FCC.
• Experience working closely with mechanical engineering and PCB design teams on CAD-related issues.
• Experience collaborating with software engineering teams on embedded systems and hardware-software integration.
• Experience working with DVT and reliability testing teams and interpreting test results.
• Demonstrated ability to interact positively and productively across functions within an organization.
• Ability to receive, apply, and act on feedback to improve performance and outcomes.
• Demonstrated commitment to meeting deadlines and project commitments, even in dynamic environments.

Work Environment

The role is based in a normal office environment with a moderate noise level. The position involves regular walking, sitting, bending, twisting, standing, and reaching, as well as occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds. You will perform consistent work on a PC, including reviewing and creating spreadsheets, schematics, and layout files. The work requires frequent use of lab equipment to probe fine-pitch components down to 0.4 mm pin spacing and to solder wires and small components as small as 0.2 x 0.1 mm. You will regularly use oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, packet generators, frequency generators, and other test equipment in a lab setting. The role typically involves sitting and using a keyboard and telephone for 8 or more hours per day, 5 days per week, while collaborating with cross-functional teams in a professional office and lab environment.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Everett, WA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $50.00 - $60.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite position in Everett,WA.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 24, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on us.fitly.work for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.