Hardware Engineer; Digital & Analog Circuit Design - AC Mains Systems

Job Description

Position Summary

We are seeking a Hardware Engineer with strong experience in digital and analog circuit design, including systems powered directly from AC mains. This role focuses on the design and development of mixed-signal hardware platforms that interface with high-voltage AC power, convert and regulate power safely, and integrate precision analog and digital control systems.

The ideal candidate has hands‑on experience designing offline power supplies, understanding regulatory requirements, and bringing products from concept through certification and production.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and develop digital and analog circuits for mixed‑signal embedded systems.
• Design circuits operating from AC mains (120/230
  
  VAC), including:
  • AC‑DC power conversion (flyback, buck, PFC, isolated/non‑isolated topologies)
  • Rectification, filtering, and surge protection
  • Inrush current limiting and EMI filtering
  • Isolation strategies (optocouplers, transformers, digital isolators)
• Design and validate power supply subsystems (LDOs, DC‑DC converters, battery backup systems as applicable).
• Implement protection circuitry (overcurrent, overvoltage, thermal protection, short‑circuit protection).
• Ensure compliance with safety and regulatory standards (UL, IEC, CE, FCC, etc.).
• Perform creepage and clearance analysis in PCB layout for high‑voltage sections.
• Develop and review PCB layouts with attention to:
  • High‑voltage isolation barriers
  • EMI/EMC mitigation
  • Signal integrity and grounding strategies
• Design analog front ends (AFEs) including amplifiers, filters, ADC/DAC interfaces, and sensor signal conditioning.
• Integrate microcontrollers and digital interfaces (SPI, I2C, UART, USB, Ethernet as applicable).
• Conduct circuit simulations (SPICE) and worst‑case/tolerance analysis.
• Develop and execute hardware validation and compliance test plans.
• Troubleshoot and debug boards using oscilloscopes, differential probes, current probes, isolation transformers, and other lab instrumentation.
• Support product certification testing and manufacturing ramp.
• Create thorough design documentation and support DFM/DFT reviews.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• 5+ years of experience in digital and analog hardware design.
• Hands‑on experience designing circuits powered from AC mains.
• Experience with offline AC‑DC power supply design and switching regulators.
• Strong understanding of:
  • High‑voltage safety practices
  • Isolation techniques
  • Creepage/clearance requirements
  • EMI/EMC design principles
• Experience with schematic capture and PCB design tools (e.g., Altium, OrCAD, Cadence, KiCad).
• Proficiency in SPICE‑based simulation tools.
• Strong hands‑on lab debugging skills.
• Working knowledge of regulatory and safety standards for mains‑powered equipment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with power factor correction (PFC) design.
• Familiarity with surge immunity and ESD standards.
• Experience participating in UL/IEC certification processes.
• Experience with thermal design and power dissipation analysis.
• Knowledge of embedded firmware interaction and system‑level integration.
• Experience supporting products from prototype through mass production.

Key Competencies

• Strong understanding of safe high‑voltage design practices
• Analytical and detail‑oriented
• Structured problem‑solving approach
• Ownership mindset from concept to production
• Effective cross‑functional collaboration

• The base salary range is $90,000 - $150,000. The salary range listed is an estimate. Pay at Savant is determined by multiple factors including, but not limited to, a candidate’s geographical location, relevant education, experience and skills and an evaluation of internal pay equity.
• This is a direct‑hire position with full benefits including: medical / dental insurance; vision plan; pet insurance; FSA / HSA; 12 paid holidays; permissive time off policy; 401k plan with employer match.

Savant Systems, Inc (Savant) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), gender…