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.
To apply, please submit a cover letter that explains your qualifications for this position, highlights your relevant experience, and demonstrates how your skills align with the role, along with your resume.
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 functionality
- Coordinate 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
