Life at Dubai Future Foundation

Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) aims to realize the wise vision of Dubai’s leadership to institutionalize the envisioned future and forward-thinking methodologies, while positioning Dubai as the leading city of the future. In partnership with its local and global partners from governments, companies, startups, and entrepreneurs, DFF drives joint efforts to collectively imagine, design, and execute the best possible future for humanity.

Under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, the DFF runs and oversees many futureproofing projects and initiatives, such as the Museum of the Future, Area 2071, The Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution UAE, Dubai Future Accelerators, One Million Arab Coders, Dubai Future Academy, Dubai Future Solutions, Dubai Future Labs, Dubai Future Forum, etc. DFF’s efforts to share knowledge, adopt innovation, support entrepreneurs and innovative startups, build capacity, and promote forward-thinking and foresight principles contribute to Dubai’s ambitions to be a role model for the cities of the future through the power of unlimited imagination, innovation, foresight and disruptive mindset.

For more information on the initiatives, projects, and programs of Dubai Future Foundation, please visit the website: www.dubaifuture.ae

Where does this role fit into the bigger picture?

The Senior Hardware Design Engineer reports directly to the Robotics Lab Lead within the Dubai Future Labs structure.

The Dubai Future Labs are focused on driving innovative ideas through rigorous scientific testing to push the existing boundaries of research applications. The Research and Development department is an open-innovation research concept integrating concurrent research with innovative processes and both private and public partnerships. The department is focused on co-creation experimentation, and evaluation of innovative ideas and technology in real-life test cases as well as applied research in the fields of robotics.

Senior Robotics Engineer- Hardware Design

As a Senior Robotics Engineer- Hardware Design, you will work with a dynamic, multi-disciplinary team to lead the design of complex hardware systems. You will be part of a team working on the design and development of the next generation autonomous robots for indoor and outdoor applications. The ideal candidate should have experience in applied robotics research and expertise in various robotic components and systems. The candidate is expected to have fundamental understanding of robotic systems and how to develop and integrate various robotic components to be deployed in real world applications. You will be responsible for designing, testing, and optimizing complex hardware systems, ensuring they meet performance, reliability, and cost objectives. The candidate will play a pivotal role and will be responsible for creating detailed schematics and circuit diagrams, leveraging his/her expertise in hardware design tools like Altium with in-depth knowledge of industry protocols, including USB, Ethernet, CANbus, SPI, and I2C to ensure the performance and reliability of our hardware products.

Your Responsibilities

• Hardware System Design: Lead the end-to-end design of advanced hardware systems, including PCBs, integrated circuits, and associated components.
• Schematic Development: Create detailed and accurate schematics and circuit diagrams to meet product specifications, performance goals, and industry standards.
• Component Selection: Identify and select appropriate electronic components, ensuring compatibility and reliability.
• PCB Layout Collaboration: Collaborate closely with PCB layout designers to optimize board layout for signal integrity, thermal management, and manufacturability.
• Prototyping: Oversee the development of prototypes, conduct testing, and troubleshoot issues, making necessary design enhancements.
• Industry Protocol Expertise: Apply your deep knowledge of industry protocols, such as USB, Ethernet, CANbus, SPI, and I2C, to ensure seamless integration and functionality.
• Testing and Validation: Develop comprehensive test plans and procedures to validate hardware designs, guaranteeing compliance with performance and reliability standards.
• Cost-Effective Design: Identify opportunities for cost optimization in hardware design while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Documentation: Prepare detailed documentation, including design specifications, technical reports, and user manuals.

Why this role is important?

This role makes the biggest impact by being organized, able to research, design and develop new innovative hardware systems, as well as identifying the strategic goals of the department. You will be a key member of the technical team to assist in creating successful partnerships, which is instrumental in successful robotic research projects. Your role in the organization will help create a positive reputation for the Dubai Future Foundation as a world-class robotic lab in the Middle East and help bring the UAE into the future.

What Dubai Future Foundation offers?

We will offer you a unique opportunity to work with people who are passionate about the future and establishing Dubai as one of the leading cities of the world. You will have the chance to work on exciting and new projects, work in a highly diverse and fast paced environment that fosters creativity, disruptive ideas, and innovation.

Skills

• MSc. or PhD in Electric Engineering, Robotics Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in hardware design.
• Commercial experience contributing to novel solution ideation and implementation
• Strong track record in developing and deploying innovative hardware systems in robotics in real world environments
• Proficiency in hardware design tools, especially Altium.
• Strong expertise in analog and digital circuit design.
• Expertise in PCB design and layout best practices, including experience with multi-layer PCBs, high-speed signal routing, impedance matching, and thermal management.
• Experience with FPGA and microcontroller-based systems.
• In-depth knowledge of industry protocols (USB, Ethernet, CANbus, SPI, I2C).
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• A proven track record of successful hardware design projects.
• Experience with hardware debugging and troubleshooting, including the use of oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and other test equipment.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance and certification processes, including EMC/EMI, safety, and environmental requirements (e.g., FCC, CE, RoHS).
• Experience with advanced technologies such as RF design, power electronics,or mixed-signal design.