Job Title: Hardware Engineer

Location: Redmond, WA - onsite

Placement Type: 12 month contract to start

Top Skills

Must have strong software skills, an optics background is great, this role is very hands on.

1. Operating hardware prototypes

2. Software or Electrical engineer degree is a must

3. fine-pitch soldering 020

4. lab environment

Job Description

The Hardware Engineer will work in a hands-on lab environment to operate and support optical hardware prototypes, including PCB boards, electrical flexes, cameras, and LEDs. This role requires a software or hardware engineer with at least 5 years of experience, strong firmware and data analytics skills, and a solid background in hardware and prototype development. The engineer will use existing software tools, perform basic software and hardware troubleshooting, and collaborate closely with a cross-functional team to ensure reliable operation of prototype devices.

Responsibilities

- Operate optical hardware prototypes, including PCB boards, electrical flexes, cameras, and LEDs, in a lab environment.

- Use existing software tools, including command line scripts and graphical user interfaces, to control and monitor hardware prototypes.

- Work with on-demand server environments and related software tools to support prototype operation and data collection.

- Perform basic software and hardware troubleshooting, such as interpreting command line outputs, restarting hardware, and resolving common integration issues.

- Train moderators and other users on how to correctly and safely operate prototype devices and associated tools.

- Conduct weekly checks on prototype devices at vendor sites,



including driving to and from those locations to verify hardware status and performance.

- Support hardware prototyping and test activities, ensuring that designs are correctly implemented and issues are documented and communicated.

- Collaborate with a team of engineers and technical staff to improve prototype reliability, usability, and test coverage.

- Apply fine-pitch soldering skills (including 020 components) when required to build, repair, or modify prototype boards.

- Maintain an organized and secure lab environment, ensuring that equipment, tools, and prototypes are properly handled and stored.

Essential Skills

- At least 5 years of experience as a software or hardware engineer with hands-on involvement in hardware and prototype development.

- Strong firmware background with the ability to work closely with hardware and embedded systems.

- Experience with data analytics related to hardware or prototype performance.

- Proficiency with common programming languages and command line tools.

- Demonstrated ability to operate optical hardware prototypes, including PCB boards, electrical flexes, cameras, and LEDs.

- Experience using existing software tools, including command line scripts and graphical user interfaces, to control hardware.





- Familiarity with on-demand server environments and remote software tools.

- Basic software and hardware troubleshooting skills, including understanding command line scripts and applying standard practices such as restarting hardware.

- Software or Electrical Engineering degree.

- Ability and willingness to drive to vendor sites for weekly prototype device checks.

- Fine-pitch soldering skills, including work with 020 components.

- Solid hands-on approach and comfort working directly with hardware in a lab setting.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

- background in hardware prototyping engineering is highly desirable.

- Experience as a Hardware Test Engineer is a strong plus.

- Electrical Engineering background is beneficial for operating and understanding hardware prototypes.

- Optics background is a strong advantage for working with optical hardware prototypes.

- Experience in a lab environment, including secure handling of electronic components and test equipment.

- Ability to clearly explain technical concepts when training moderators and other non-technical users.

- Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail when diagnosing hardware and software issues.

Work Environment

The role is based in a lab environment within a team of approximately 15 people. The Hardware Engineer will work closely with other engineers and technical staff, using tools and equipment such as PCB boards, electrical flexes, cameras, LEDs, soldering tools for fine-pitch components, and various lab instruments. The work involves regular hands-on

📌 Hardware Engineer (Redmond)
🏢 Actalent
📍 Redmond