Hardware Engineer

Job Title: Hardware Design Engineer, High-Speed Networking

Placement Type: 12 Month Contract to Hire

Location: Onsite, Everett - WA

Top Skills

Digital Hardware Design (PCB & Systems): 3+ years designing and developing PCB-based systems using schematic capture and layout tools

Microprocessor / Embedded Systems Design: Hands-on experience with microprocessor-based architectures and system-level integration

High-Speed Networking & Ethernet : Knowledge of Ethernet technologies (10Gb/s or higher) and networking hardware protocols

Hardware Debugging & Validation: Proficiency using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and signal analysis tools for debugging

End-to-End Product Development: Experience owning hardware development from concept through production release

Job Description

The Hardware Engineer designs, tests, and validates board-level hardware for advanced networking and microprocessor-based products. This role focuses on digital hardware design, high-speed Ethernet technologies, and system-level integration, while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to bring products from concept through production release. Experience with microprocessor-based systems, computer networking hardware and protocols, and Ethernet LAN technologies at speeds of 10Gb/s and higher is important, and RF/analog circuit design experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage assigned hardware projects through all phases from concept to production release, ensuring delivery according to established schedules.

• Develop conceptual designs and architectures, implement hardware solutions, run simulations, debug issues, and thoroughly document designs and test results.

• Test and debug prototypes and perform failure analysis on products using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, packet generators, frequency generators, and other lab equipment.

• Perform detailed signal analysis of digital and analog circuits and conduct protocol analysis of digital circuits to identify and resolve hardware issues.

• Conduct oscilloscope probing on fine pitch components and perform rework and soldering of wires and components, including very small and fine-pitch devices.

• Collaborate closely with product management to ensure designs meet Product Requirement Documents and Technical Product Specifications while maintaining target product cost.

• Thoroughly test and verify products to ensure full conformance with industry standard specifications and internal quality requirements.

• Execute and support required tests for compliance agencies such as UL, CSA, TUV, and FCC, diagnose compliance failures, and implement corrective actions.

• Create, realize, and maintain accurate product Bills of Materials (BoMs) to ensure smooth transition and release to production.

• Interface directly with PCB designers and mechanical engineers to resolve CAD-related issues and ensure cohesive electro-mechanical design integration.

• Partner with software engineering teams to support hardware-related aspects of software development and system-level integration.

• Work with purchasing teams to coordinate procurement of prototype components and materials needed for development and testing.

• Collaborate with DVT and STRE teams to analyze test results, interpret data, and drive design improvements based on validation outcomes.

• Make timely, well-reasoned decisions, explain and support design choices, and involve appropriate stakeholders in the decision-making process.

• Manage shifting priorities, maintain focus on commitments and deadlines, and plan and prioritize work activities to use time efficiently.

• Maintain regular, predictable attendance and work effectively despite interruptions and distractions, following instructions and responding to direction as needed.

• Commit to extended work hours when necessary to achieve project goals and meet critical milestones.

• Interact positively and productively across functions within the organization, taking ownership of responsibilities and actions.

• Build and maintain effective interpersonal relationships, receive and apply feedback to improve performance, and maintain a professional demeanor in stressful situations.

Essential Skills

• 3+ years of experience in a hardware design position (5+ years preferred), with a focus on digital hardware and board-level design.

• Hands-on experience designing and developing PCB-based systems using schematic capture and layout tools.

• Strong experience in microprocessor and embedded systems design, including system-level integration of microprocessor-based architectures.

• Knowledge of high-speed networking and Ethernet technologies, particularly Ethernet LAN products at speeds of 10Gb/s or higher, and related networking hardware protocols.

• Proficiency in digital hardware design for PCB and systems, including high-speed design and board-level signal integrity considerations.

• Experience with end-to-end product development, owning hardware projects from concept through production release.

• Ability to test and debug hardware using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, packet generators, frequency generators, and other signal analysis tools.

• Capability to perform detailed failure analysis and troubleshoot both digital and analog circuits at the component and system level.

• Skill in probing fine pitch components down to 0.4 mm pin spacing and soldering wires onto fine pitch component leads and surrounding circuits.

• Ability to rework and solder very small components down to 0.2 x 0.1 mm in size with precision and reliability.

• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to document designs and test results clearly and comprehensively.

• Solid organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks, priorities, and deadlines effectively.

• Ability to work independently with minimal detailed supervision and guidance while driving projects to completion.

• Capacity to maintain a professional demeanor during stressful situations and to handle multiple interruptions and distractions effectively.

• Ability and willingness to make timely decisions, exercise sound and accurate judgment, and support and explain reasoning for decisions.

• Ability to prioritize, plan work activities, and use time efficiently while consistently meeting commitments and deadlines.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or equivalent education or training.

• Knowledge of RF and analog circuit design concepts and practices is a plus.

• Experience with analog circuit design, board design, and power design for complex electronic systems.

• Familiarity with schematic capture tools for hardware design and documentation.

• Basic working knowledge of standard lab test equipment, including oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, packet generators, and frequency generators.

• Ability to interact positively and productively with cross-functional teams including product management, PCB design, mechanical engineering, software engineering, purchasing, and test/validation groups.

• Demonstrated ability to take ownership of responsibilities and actions, and to effectively handle interpersonal relationships.

• Ability to receive, accept, and apply feedback to continuously improve performance.

• Willingness to commit to extended work hours when necessary to reach project and organizational goals.

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 $60.00 - $80.00/hr.

Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

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 Oct 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 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 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.