Hardware Engineer

We are seeking a highly skilled Hardware Engineer with expertise in analog/mixed-signal circuit design, PCB development, and test systems for rugged, industrial-grade products. This senior role involves designing and validating hardware from concept through production, developing custom test jigs, ensuring regulatory compliance, and supporting manufacturing handoff. Some embedded C and Python programming is required for test automation and custom test fixture development.

Requirements1. Technical Skills

• Proficiency in analog and mixed-signal circuit design (op-amps, ADCs/DACs, signal conditioning, power management)
• Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout in KiCad
• Experience designing hardware around MCU platforms such as Microchip PIC, STM32, ESP32, NXP, or similar
• Hands-on experience designing custom test jigs and automated test fixtures
• Knowledge of cable and wiring harness design for rugged/industrial environments
• Familiarity with SPI, I2C, UART, CAN, USB, and other embedded communication interfaces
• Moderate programming skills in C and Python for test automation, data acquisition, and interfacing with test equipment
• Proficiency with bench test equipment: oscilloscopes, DMMs, signal generators, power analyzers, and automated test systems
• Experience with wireless communication modules (BLE, 900MHz, Wi-Fi, or cellular) and their hardware integration
• Familiarity with version control for hardware - managing KiCad projects, BOMs, and scripts in Git

2. Experience

• 5+ years of experience in hardware engineering, including analog design, PCB layout, and product validation
• Proven track record of taking hardware designs from prototype through production release
• Experience designing hardware around 8, 16, and 32-bit microcontrollers (Microchip PIC, STM32, ESP32, NXP, or similar)
• Experience writing Python scripts for automated test systems and C for microcontroller-based test fixtures
• Hands-on experience with DFM (Design for Manufacturability) and DFT (Design for Testability) practices
• Experience managing or supporting regulatory certification processes (UL, CE, FCC, or similar)
• Familiarity with contract manufacturer (CM) relationships and production support
• Comfortable with hands-on lab work : soldering, rework, prototype assembly, and board-level troubleshooting
• Experience integrating wireless modules (BLE, 900MHz, Wi-Fi, or cellular) including antenna placement and RF layout considerations
• Experience using Git for hardware version control - schematics, PCB files, BOMs, and test scripts

3. Soft Skills

• Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis skills
• Effective communication and technical documentation abilities
• Collaborative and proactive approach in cross-functional teams (firmware, mechanical, operations)
• Flexible and able to pivot between design, lab work, and production support
• Self-motivated with the ability to own projects end-to-end

4. Educational Background

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field

Key Responsibilities1. Analog & Mixed-Signal Circuit Design

• Design and validate analog circuits including power supplies, signal conditioning, sensing circuits, and protection networks
• Select and specify components with attention to performance, availability, and long-term supply chain viability
• Review schematics for correctness, signal integrity, and EMI/EMC considerations

2. PCB Design

• Create and review schematics and PCB layouts using KiCad
• Ensure designs meet DFM and DFT requirements in collaboration with contract manufacturers
• Manage PCB revisions, coordinate fabrication and assembly, and maintain accurate BOMs

3. Custom Test Jig & Fixture Development

• Design and build custom hardware test jigs for production and engineering validation
• Write Python scripts and C-based firmware for test fixture microcontrollers to automate test sequences, collect measurements, and generate pass/fail reports
• Maintain and improve existing test systems as products evolve

4. Cable & Harness Design

• Design wiring harnesses and cable assemblies suitable for harsh environments (vibration, temperature, moisture)
• Specify connectors, wire gauges, shielding, and strain relief appropriate for industrial and mobile equipment applications
• Create harness drawings and assembly documentation

5. Systems Integration & Validation

• Integrate hardware subsystems and verify end-to-end system behavior against requirements
• Develop and execute hardware validation test plans , including functional, environmental, and stress testing
• Work closely with the embedded firmware team to debug hardware/firmware interactions

6. Regulatory Compliance

• Support and coordinate UL, CE, FCC, and other applicable certification testing with third-party labs
• Prepare technical documentation, test reports, and compliance files
• Identify design changes required to meet regulatory standards and implement them efficiently

7. Manufacturing Support (DFM/DFT)

• Collaborate with contract manufacturers to ensure designs are producible and testable at volume
• Define and document test coverage requirements; create production test procedures
• Provide engineering support during production bring-up and address manufacturing nonconformances

8. Documentation & Collaboration

• Maintain accurate schematics, PCB layouts, BOMs, and test documentation in version control
• Write clear engineering reports covering design decisions, test results, and failure analyses
• Work across firmware, mechanical, and operations teams to meet project milestones

9. Hands-On Prototyping & Troubleshooting

• Assemble and rework prototype PCBs, including fine-pitch SMD soldering and through-hole components
• Perform board-level troubleshooting using oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and DMMs to diagnose hardware faults
• Iterate quickly on prototype hardware, document findings, and drive design revisions based on lab results
• Support bring-up of new hardware revisions and assist the firmware team with hardware debugging

10. Product Maintenance & Obsolescence

• Identify and qualify alternative components when parts become obsolete or unavailable
• Redesign circuits as needed to maintain compliance and product functionalityCoordinate with procurement to address component availability and long-term sourcing

About AFEX

At AFEX, we design, test, and install fire suppression systems for heavy equipment used in mining, forestry, landfill, and construction industries. We've built a premium brand based on ruggedness, quality, and reliability. Our products are subjected to stringent in-house quality control and are regularly tested by third-party labs.

Pay: $80,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s)

• Do you have hands-on experience with KiCad for schematic capture and PCB layout?
• Do you have 5+ years of hardware engineering experience in analog/mixed-signal circuit design and PCB layout?
• Have you designed hardware around microcontroller platforms such as PIC, STM32, ESP32, or NXP?
• Have you written Python and/or C for automated test fixtures or test equipment integration?
• Do you need sponsorship now or in the future?
• This is a full time in person position in Raleigh, North Carolina. Does that work for you?

Ability to Commute

• Raleigh, NC 27616 (Required)

Work Location: In person