Job Title: Hardware EngineerJob DescriptionThe Hardware Engineer designs, verifies, and documents rugged handheld electronic systems and components from concept through production. This role focuses on analog and digital circuit design, embedded system architecture, schematic capture using PCB CAD tools, and FPGA/CPLD logic design, while providing broad exposure to all phases of the hardware design cycle. The position offers the opportunity to work on diverse and technically challenging embedded electronics projects within a closeknit engineering team and a growing organization.Responsibilities
- Design, verify, and document rugged handheld electronic systems and components from initial concept through production release.
- Capture and analyze customer requirements and translate them into robust hardware solutions, including detailed test and verification plans to meet customer specifications.
- Use PCB CAD tools to perform schematic capture and ensure accurate and manufacturable designs.
- Perform timing and signal integrity simulations to validate highspeed and complex electronic designs.
- Create net rules and routing constraints and collaborate closely with placement and layout engineers to generate complete PCB fabrication files.
- Design and simulate digital logic for programmable logic devices (FPGA and CPLD) using vendorsupplied development and simulation tools.
- Evaluate, select, and create models for electronic components to ensure they meet performance, reliability, and cost requirements for each project.
- Test and validate developed hardware, including bench testing, debugging, and design verification activities.
- Participate in production testing, safety compliance, EMC testing, and MILSpec certification processes.
- Interface with multidisciplinary teams, including mechanical, software, systems, supply chain, and sales, to manage electronic design tradeoffs and manufacturing considerations.
- Prepare and maintain clear design documentation, including schematics, test reports, and verification records throughout the project lifecycle.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of design methods, tools, and best practices in embedded electronics.
Essential Skills
- Bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related technical field.
- 8+ years of experience in electronic circuit design, including analog and digital hardware.
- Strong working knowledge of analog and digital circuit design and embedded system architecture.
- Handson experience with microprocessorbased highspeed PCB design.
- Proficiency with PCB CAD tools for schematic capture and collaboration with layout engineers.
- Ability to perform timing and signal integrity simulations for complex designs.
- Experience with FPGA and CPLD logic design using vendor development tools.
- Familiarity with a variety of electronic test bench equipment for hardware validation and troubleshooting.
- Strong and effective verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Eligibility to work on ITARregulated projects (US person status).
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Experience with microcontrollers and microprocessors in embedded hardware designs.
- Familiarity with Xpedition and Altium PCB CAD tools.
- Experience with Keysight ADS or similar simulation tools.
- Experience with FPGA development tools and hardware description languages such as Verilog or VHDL.
- Experience in ARMbased microprocessor and microcontroller hardware designs.
- Experience in design verification, hardware testing, and preparation of technical documentation.
- Eagerness to learn and apply new technologies in embedded electronics and rugged handheld systems.
- Ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary project teams and manage design tradeoffs across hardware, software, mechanical, and systems domains.
Work EnvironmentThe role is based in a local office of roughly 30 engineering professionals, primarily focused on hardware, software, and mechanical design. The environment combines the resources of a global organization with the family feel of a closeknit, growing team. Engineers work on diverse, multifaceted projects and are involved in all aspects of the design cycle rather than being limited to a single task, providing strong opportunities for professional growth and exposure to different applications and challenges. The work involves daily use of PCB CAD tools, simulation environments, FPGA development tools, and a full range of electronic test bench equipment within a collaborative, projectdriven setting. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockville, MD. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $140000.00 - $160000.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
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) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Rockville, MD. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 16, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Rockville,MD.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
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 actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
