Hardware Engineer

Job Title: Hardware Engineer This role focuses on designing, developing, and testing electrical equipment, components, circuits, and systems while ensuring they meet reliability, performance, and safety standards. The hardware engineer applies mathematical and engineering principles to create innovative solutions, conducts research on new technologies, and develops detailed circuit designs, schematics, and PCB layouts using CAD tools. The position collaborates closely with clients, project managers, engineers, technicians, and quality personnel to define project requirements and deliver successful control systems projects. Responsibilities Design, develop, and test electrical equipment, components, circuits, and systems to meet defined performance and safety requirements. Apply mathematical and engineering principles to hardware designs to ensure functionality, efficiency, and reliability. Perform extensive testing and validation of hardware designs to verify reliability, performance, and compliance with safety standards. Conduct research and study new technologies to identify opportunities for innovation in hardware design and product development. Design circuits and develop detailed schematics using computer-aided design (CAD) software. Create and refine PCB layouts using tools such as Altium and KiCAD to support microelectronics and embedded systems development. Collaborate closely with clients, project managers, engineers, technicians, and quality personnel to identify project requirements and technical specifications. Ensure successful completion of control systems projects by coordinating design activities, resolving technical issues, and supporting integration and testing. Implement and support communication interfaces using protocols such as RS232, Ethernet, USB, CAN, DroneCAN, and SPI within hardware designs. Contribute to the development and optimization of battery energy storage system hardware, ensuring robust and safe operation. Essential Skills Proven experience in hardware design, electronics, and circuit development. Hands‑on experience in microelectronics and PCB development. Proficiency in designing circuits, developing schematics, and creating PCB layouts using CAD software such as Altium and KiCAD. Strong knowledge of communication protocols including RS232, Ethernet, USB, CAN, DroneCAN, and SPI. Experience with embedded C programming for hardware and embedded systems. Proficiency in Python for scripting, automation, or hardware‑related applications. Working knowledge of MATLAB for analysis, modeling, or validation of hardware systems. Familiarity with additional programming languages such as C#, C++, and JavaScript in the context of hardware or embedded development. Experience with battery energy storage systems and related hardware considerations. Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace, Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field with a focus on hardware design and testing. Additional Skills & Qualifications Experience in hardware testing and validation processes for complex electronic systems. Experience in control systems projects involving collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. Ability to interpret and apply engineering standards and best practices in hardware design. Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to troubleshoot and resolve hardware issues. Effective communication skills to work with clients, project managers, engineers, technicians, and quality personnel. Attention to detail in documentation, schematics, and layout design for manufacturability and reliability. Work Environment The hardware engineer works in an office environment in a cubicle setting alongside other team members, fostering close collaboration and communication. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Work involves extensive use of computer‑aided design (CAD) tools such as Altium and KiCAD, as well as software environments for embedded C, Python, MATLAB, and related technologies. The role is primarily desk‑based with a focus on design, analysis, and documentation, complemented by laboratory or bench work for testing and validation as required by project needs. Dress expectations align with a typical professional office environment. Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Houston, TX. Pay and Benefits The pay range for this position is $35.00 - $55.00/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 Houston, TX. Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Jun 22, 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 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. 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 click.appcast.io 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr