Hardware Engineering Tech

Job Title: Hardware Design Engineer, High-Speed Networking

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

• 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.
• Ability to work independently with minimal detailed supervision and guidance while driving projects to completion.
• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or equivalent education or training.

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

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.

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.

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.

available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• 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)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Application Deadline This position is anticipated to close on Oct 2, 2026.

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.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.

adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability,

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process,

AI helps assess applications

acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.