Principal Digital Hardware Engineer

Job Overview:
We are seeking a Principal Digital Hardware Engineer to contribute to the development of high-speed digital systems. The successful candidate will be responsible for PCB design, hardware/software integration, and system-level validation for advanced electronic products. This is an Outside IR35 contract, with a hybrid working model that requires occasional on-site presence in Hatfield.

Key Responsibilities:

PCB & Hardware Design

• Design, develop, and validate high-speed digital PCB layouts, with a focus on impedance-controlled tracks and EMC considerations.
• Work closely with PCB layout engineers to ensure signal integrity and power distribution efficiency.
• Develop and optimize high-speed digital circuits, ensuring compliance with industry standards and best practices.

Hardware & Software Integration

• Configure and troubleshoot computer BIOS settings for optimized performance.
• Integrate COMs (Computer on Module) into embedded systems.
• Assist in firmware development and integration with hardware components.

Testing & Validation

• Conduct hardware validation and debugging using laboratory equipment, including oscilloscopes, digital voltmeters, power supplies, signal analyzers, and soldering equipment.
• Perform board-level bring-up, debugging, and troubleshooting.
• Ensure designs meet EMC compliance and reliability standards.

Documentation & Collaboration

• Maintain detailed technical documentation, including schematics, PCB layouts, and test reports.
• Collaborate with firmware engineers, software developers, and other hardware engineers to ensure seamless system integration.
• Participate in design reviews and provide feedback to optimize hardware performance.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Strong digital hardware design experience, including high-speed PCB design.
• Proficiency in schematic capture and PCB layout tools such as Altium, OrCAD, or KiCad.
• Experience in impedance-controlled PCB design and EMC best practices.
• Hands-on experience with hardware debugging and testing.
• Familiarity with BIOS settings, configuration, and optimization.
• Knowledge of firmware and programmable devices such as FPGAs and microcontrollers.
• Strong understanding of signal integrity, power distribution, and thermal management.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate effectively in a team environment.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with BGA routing and DDR memory interface design.
• Knowledge of power electronics and power supply design.
• Previous experience working on embedded systems or IoT devices.
• Familiarity with BOM management and component selection for production.