Hardware Engineer

Role: Hardware Engineer
Location: Mountain View, CA (Onsite)
Type: Contract
HW Engineer

• Experience in design and development of ECUs or embedded electronic systems
• Proficiency in schematic capture and PCB layout tools
• Experience with hardware bring-up, board-level debugging, and validation

Familiarity with automotive communication protocols: CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet
Job description:
Years of Relevant Experience: Minimum years of relevant experience needed to perform the job

• 10+ years of hardware engineering experience in automotive or embedded electronics development

Education
Required
Desired

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field

• Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field

Skills: General skills needed to perform the job

• Strong problem-solving and debugging abilities
• Excellent attention to detail and documentation
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication
• Ability to work independently and as part of a cross-functional team
• Strong organizational and time management skills

Specialized Skills: Knowledge or certifications unique to this role
Required
Desired

• Experience in design and development of ECUs or embedded electronic systems
• Proficiency in schematic capture and PCB layout tools
• Experience with hardware bring-up, board-level debugging, and validation
• Familiarity with automotive communication protocols: CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet
• Hands-on experience with lab equipment (oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, multimeters, power supplies)
• Understanding of functional safety (ISO 26262) and EMI/EMC considerations

• Knowledge of connected vehicle infotainment and communication software systems
• Knowledge of DFMEA, DVP&R, and other automotive quality processes

Work Flexibility: Physical requirements, travel requirements, work schedule, etc.

• Occasional travel may be required, less than 15%

Role Summary: Brief summary which describes nature and level of work
We are looking for a Hardware Engineer to join the Hardware Platform Development. This role focuses on the design, development, validation, and support of Electronic Control Units (ECUs) and related electrical/electronic hardware systems for next-generation vehicles.
The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in automotive hardware development, including board-level design, schematic/layout review, and system bring-up. This position collaborates closely with software engineers, validation teams, and suppliers to ensure robust, production-ready EE platforms.
Role Responsibilities: List essential functions in order of importance; include percentage of time spent performing each function (total should equal 100%)
Hardware Development - (80%)

• Design and develop ECU hardware solutions in collaboration with cross-functional teams
• Review and validate schematics, layouts, and component selections
• Support hardware bring-up, system integration, and functional validation
• Develop and maintain detailed hardware documentation (design specs, BOMs, schematics, test plans)
• Work closely with software engineers to support low-level integration and debugging
• Participate in failure analysis and root cause investigations
• Interface with external suppliers and contract manufacturers on hardware builds
• Ensure compliance with internal design standards, industry regulations, and automotive quality processes

Operational Management - (20%)

• Assist with production and manufacturing test development for ECU hardware
• Support prototype and pre-production builds, including rework and hardware modifications
• Monitor and report on technical risks, delivery timelines, and quality issues
• Contribute to team knowledge sharing and continuous improvement of development processes