Lead Hardware Engineer

The Lead Hardware Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, and validation of advanced power electronics hardware for next-generation electrical and electronic systems. This role oversees the complete hardware development lifecycle, including requirements definition, circuit design, PCB development, prototype evaluation, testing, and product validation.

This position requires strong technical expertise in analog and digital hardware design combined with leadership in project management, supplier coordination, and cross-functional engineering collaboration. The Lead Hardware Engineer ensures hardware development activities are executed on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with established quality and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and validation of power electronics hardware including power conversion circuits, power distribution, protection circuitry, embedded control electronics, communication interfaces, and high-voltage systems.
• Define system and hardware requirements while supporting schematic development, PCB design reviews, component selection, simulation, and hardware verification activities.
• Develop and execute hardware validation plans including electrical, functional, environmental, reliability, and compliance testing.
• Ensure hardware designs comply with applicable automotive, industrial, and functional safety standards, including ISO 26262, IEC 61508, UL, and applicable EMC/EMI requirements.
• Develop project plans, establish schedules, allocate resources, and manage milestones throughout the hardware development lifecycle.
• Monitor project progress, identify technical and program risks, and implement mitigation plans to maintain project objectives.
• Collaborate closely with software, mechanical, manufacturing, systems, and test engineering teams to ensure successful product integration.
• Provide regular project updates to engineering leadership and stakeholders, communicating technical progress, risks, and key milestones.
• Serve as the primary technical interface with suppliers for hardware components, prototype builds, engineering support, and manufacturing readiness.
• Support component evaluation, supplier selection, and cost optimization initiatives.
• Partner with procurement and supply chain teams to ensure timely sourcing of critical electronic components and long-lead materials.
• Mentor junior engineers in hardware architecture, circuit design, simulation, PCB development, and laboratory validation techniques.
• Lead technical design reviews, DFMEA/FMEA activities, design verification planning, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support manufacturing readiness, product launch activities, and production issue resolution.
• Adhere to all company policies, safety requirements, and regulatory compliance standards.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Position Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, or a related field.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience designing electronic hardware with significant experience in power electronics.
• Demonstrated experience developing products from concept through production release.

Strong knowledge of:

• Analog and digital circuit design
• Power conversion topologies (DC/DC, AC/DC, inverter or converter design)
• High-voltage electronics and electrical safety
• Embedded hardware development
• PCB layout and design review
• Signal integrity, power integrity, and thermal considerations
• Experience performing schematic capture, circuit simulation, laboratory testing, and hardware debugging.
• Experience with DFMEA, PPAP, design verification, validation testing, and root cause analysis preferred.
• Familiarity with automotive or industrial electronic design standards and qualification requirements (AEC-Q100, IPC standards, ISO 26262, IEC 61508, etc.) preferred.
• Experience managing external suppliers and supporting new product introduction.
• Proficiency with project management tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, or equivalent.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills.