Lead Hardware Design Engineer

Global Innovation and Technology Centre, Back Lane, Melbourn, Hertfordshire, SG8 6DP
, United Kingdom, Melbourn SG8 6DP
, GB

We are looking for a Lead hardware design engineer with a broad skill set and a passion for creating electronic products. Working closely with our clients and the wider PA team, you will be called upon to develop solutions at the system level as well as take on the detailed electronic design work required to realise your concept.

Our primary industry sectors are Consumer, Defence and Security, Health and Life Sciences and we look for someone who is comfortable working across all of these sectors. Sharing ideas across sectors is embedded within our way of working.

Examples of key technologies for current projects include motion control, digital audio, software defined radio and high-speed networking but clients often approach us with unique challenges that require a creative outlook and an adaptable skill set – expect the unexpected.

We are looking for candidates with the following technical skills:

• A proven track record of developing elegant electronic system architectures and implementing designs using a professional workflow.
• Well versed in a breadth of core electronics disciplines including analogue and digital circuit design and associated EDA techniques.
• An excellent understanding of key embedded technologies including microcontrollers, SoCs, SoMs and maybe FPGA. Alongside hardware development skills, we look for strong embedded software, RTL or other related skills.
• Exposure to the full product lifecycle from concept generation through to product release including demonstrable experience of delivering your designs into service.
• Possession of a good understanding of the regulatory landscape of the UK, EU and US and a proven track record of designing for compliance with appropriate standards.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and be comfortable explaining complex engineering concepts to both a technical and non-technical audience.

And the following qualities:

• Someone not afraid to be ‘Hands‑on’ and work with the team to work through challenges from first principles on the bench.
• Energy and enthusiasm to take on unfamiliar challenges, coupled with the ability to innovate and think freely.
• Enthusiasm to help build the careers of our less experienced engineers.

This is a challenging role, so we expect experience to be reinforced by a strong academic background.

• Degree qualified – a good degree in electronic engineering or a related subject from a leading university
• The ability to gain UK SC security clearance if not already acquired (in practice, this requires sole UK nationality)

• Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare for you and your family
• 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days
• Generous company pension scheme
• Opportunity to get involved with community and charity‑based initiatives
• Annual performance‑based bonus
• PA share ownership
• Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn)

We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief, veteran status, any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience.

We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us at recruitm