Hardware Engineer

Role Overview

We are looking for a PCB Layout cum Hardware Engineer to own PCB design from schematic capture through layout, fabrication release, and prototype bring-up, while supporting circuit design, validation, and new product development. The candidate should have strong hands-on PCB layout experience and sound practical knowledge of electronics, embedded hardware, power supplies, communication circuits, and product-level troubleshooting.

Key Responsibilities

PCB Layout & Design

• Carry out schematic capture and multilayer PCB layout (single-sided to 4/6-layer) for power, mixed-signal, and microcontroller-based boards.
• Create and maintain schematic symbols, footprints, and 3D models as per IPC standards and component datasheets.
• Define layer stack-up, design rules, component placement, routing, grounding, and copper pours with attention to signal integrity, power integrity, EMI/EMC, and thermal performance.
• Design layouts for SMPS and mains-powered products, ensuring creepage/clearance, isolation, and safety compliance (IEC/UL/BIS as applicable).
• Apply DFM, DFA, and DFT practices; run DRC/ERC checks and conduct layout reviews before release.
• Generate and verify the fabrication and assembly package: Gerbers/ODB++, drill files, pick-and-place, assembly drawings, panel drawings, and BOM.
• Coordinate with PCB fabricators and assembly vendors to resolve engineering queries, tolerances, and manufacturability issues.
• Work with the mechanical team on board outline, enclosure fit, mounting, and connector placement (STEP/DXF exchange).
• Maintain the component library, revision control, and ECN records for all PCB designs.

Hardware Design & Validation

• Study existing products, circuits, PCBs, and components to understand design functionality.
• Support new product development from concept to prototype and pilot production.
• Prepare and review circuit diagrams, BOMs, test reports, and technical documents.
• Perform component selection, alternate sourcing, and replacement analysis.
• Carry out board bring-up, hardware testing, debugging, validation, and failure analysis.
• Support EMI/EMC, surge, ESD, and thermal pre-compliance testing, and implement layout-level corrective actions.
• Coordinate with firmware engineers, vendors, and production teams.
• Support product improvement, cost optimization, and design modification activities.
• Maintain proper documentation of design changes, test results, and observations.

Requirements

• Proficiency in at least one PCB design tool: Altium Designer, KiCad, OrCAD/Allegro, or EAGLE.
• Strong PCB layout skills for power electronics and mixed-signal boards, including high-current routing, switching-loop minimization, grounding, and thermal management.
• Working knowledge of IPC standards (IPC-2221, IPC-7351, IPC-A-600/610) and DFM/DFA/DFT guidelines.
• Understanding of EMI/EMC design practices and safety spacing requirements for mains-operated products.
• Good knowledge of analog and digital electronics.
• Understanding of power supply circuits (SMPS, LDO, buck/boost/flyback), microcontroller-based circuits, sensors, relays, drivers, and communication interfaces (UART, I2C, SPI, RS-485, CAN, Wi-Fi/BLE/Zigbee modules).
• Familiarity with RF/antenna layout guidelines and impedance-controlled routing will be an added advantage.
• Hands-on experience with multimeter, oscilloscope, soldering/rework tools, power supplies, electronic loads, and other test equipment.
• Basic knowledge of embedded systems and the product development process.
• Knowledge of reverse engineering methodology (schematic extraction from existing PCBs) will be preferred.
• Good problem-solving, troubleshooting, and documentation skills.