Hardware Engineer

Job Title:

Hardware Engineer Job Description

This role focuses on testing, debugging, and bringing up new high-speed networking hardware. You will create, enhance, and execute unit test and bring-up plans to ensure complex network systems and printed circuit boards meet all technical and functional requirements. While there may be some design activities, the position is primarily centered on hands‑on validation, board bring‑up, and troubleshooting of cutting‑edge hardware.

• Develop, enhance, and execute comprehensive unit test plans for new networking hardware and printed circuit boards.
• Lead board bring‑up activities for high‑speed networking systems, ensuring all components and interfaces function as intended.
• Debug hardware issues at the board and system level, identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
• Validate networking hardware that operates at very high speeds, including boards designed for 40G and higher data rates.
• Use Cadence Allegro for schematic capture and to support hardware design, layout review, and validation activities.
• Perform detailed testing and validation of high‑speed interfaces, including Ser Des, DDR4, and DDR5 subsystems.
• Collaborate closely with other hardware and software engineers to ensure the control plane and data plane meet performance and reliability targets.
• Document test procedures, bring‑up steps, and test results to ensure reproducibility and traceability.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of test methodologies, tools, and processes for hardware validation.
• Optionally develop or enhance Python‑based scripts and tools to support automated hardware testing and bring‑up.

• Strong, hands‑on experience bringing up and performing unit testing for networking systems or similar complex printed circuit boards.
• Proven experience designing or working with high‑speed boards operating at 40G or higher.
• Practical experience with board bring‑up and hardware debug in a lab environment.
• Experience with Cadence Allegro for schematic capture and related hardware design tasks.
• Experience working with Ser Des‑based high‑speed interfaces.
• Experience debugging and testing hardware involving control plane and data plane architectures.
• Experience working with DDR4 and DDR5 memory interfaces in a hardware context.
• Strong debugging skills and the ability to systematically identify and resolve hardware issues.

• Experience writing test automation scripts in Python is a significant plus.
• Background in hardware design for networking or high‑speed digital systems.
• Familiarity with modern PCB design and validation practices.
• Interest in working on cutting‑edge, high‑speed networking hardware alongside experienced engineering teams.

This is a fully onsite position, working in the lab and office five days per week. There is flexibility in arrival and departure times, but regular onsite presence is required to support hands‑on testing, board bring‑up, and close collaboration with other engineers. You will work directly with advanced networking hardware operating at very high speeds and use professional tools such as Cadence Allegro and lab equipment for debugging and validation.

This is a Contract position based out of San Jose, CA.

The pay range for this position is $48.00 - $51.00/hr.

• 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 position is anticipated to close on Jun 29, 2026.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccom for other accommodation options