Hardware Design Engineer

Job Title: Hardware Design Engineer

Job Description

The Hardware Design Engineer designs, develops, and validates analog, digital, and RF hardware circuits and systems from concept through production. This role conducts schematic capture and PCB layout reviews, performs RF design and testing, and collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to bring innovative products to market. The engineer analyzes test results, troubleshoots issues in the lab, and ensures designs meet industry standards and regulatory requirements while supporting a rapidly growing product portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop analog, digital, and RF hardware circuits and systems for a variety of mixed-product applications.
• Conduct schematic capture and perform detailed PCB layout reviews to ensure robust, manufacturable designs.
• Design, analyze, and optimize RF amplifiers, including low-noise amplifiers and power amplifiers, to meet performance targets.
• Perform RF design and testing of components such as filters and amplifiers using appropriate RF test methodologies.
• Validate and troubleshoot hardware designs in lab environments, identifying root causes and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Analyze test results and performance data to refine designs and implement continuous improvements.
• Ensure hardware designs comply with relevant industry standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate closely with firmware, mechanical, manufacturing, and other engineering disciplines to integrate hardware into complete systems.
• Support product development through the full lifecycle, from initial concept and prototyping through production release.
• Participate in design reviews, provide constructive feedback, and contribute to best practices for hardware and RF design.
• Use RF test equipment such as network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators to characterize and verify designs.
• Manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment, balancing lab work and desk-based design activities.

Essential Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or an associate’s degree with related industry experience.
• 4–10 years of experience in hardware or electrical engineering.
• Strong experience in electronics and electrical engineering fundamentals.
• Proficiency in schematic capture and PCB layout, with experience using tools such as Altium or PADs.
• Hands-on experience with PCB design, PCB layout, and circuit design, including design reviews.
• Strong knowledge of RF principles and RF hardware design techniques.
• Experience designing, testing, and optimizing RF amplifiers, including low-noise and power amplifiers.
• Proficiency with RF test equipment, including network analyzers, spectrum analyzers, and signal generators.
• Solid understanding of analog and digital circuit design and their integration on mixed-signal boards.
• Ability to validate and troubleshoot hardware in a lab environment using appropriate tools and instrumentation.
• Strong debugging and problem-solving skills applied to complex hardware and RF issues.
• Ability to support hardware design from initial concept through to production.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience with RF simulation tools such as ADS, HFSS, or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with EMI/EMC testing processes and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of high-speed signal integrity and power integrity considerations in PCB design.
• Experience working with embedded systems and integrating hardware with firmware is a plus.
• Comfort working with mixed products and a variety of hardware technologies.
• Ability to collaborate effectively within a small, multidisciplinary engineering team.

Work Environment

The role is based in a fast-paced, high-growth engineering environment within a small company where team members wear many hats and contribute across the product lifecycle. The engineering team consists of approximately seven engineers, fostering close collaboration and direct impact on product decisions. The position involves a mix of approximately 70% desk-based design work and 30% hands-on lab work, using tools such as schematic and PCB layout software, RF test equipment, and standard electronic lab instruments. The work focuses on a diverse range of mixed products with aggressive lead times, so the successful candidate remains comfortable taking calculated risks, adapting quickly to changing priorities, and driving projects forward to meet tight deadlines.

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Fair Lawn, NJ.

The pay range for this position is $48.08 - $57.69/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 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)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Fair Lawn,NJ.

This position is anticipated to close on May 20, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.