Principal Hardware Engineer I

About This Opportunity

Our talent team is representing a confidential aerospace technology organization in their search for a Principal Hardware Engineer I based in Cambridge, United Kingdom. This is a full-time position offering hands-on leadership in advanced electronics development for space and airborne platforms.

Working with our client, you'll own end-to-end hardware development for complex modules and systems, from concept through production delivery. This principal-level role combines deep technical execution with leadership of engineering teams developing high-reliability electronics for demanding applications.

Responsibilities

• Own complete design cycles for complex electronics modules and systems, including high-speed digital, power electronics, and RF applications from architecture through production release
• Lead hardware engineering teams developing multi-module products and integrated systems
• Develop hardware architecture and requirements for high-complexity systems
• Perform detailed schematic design and PCB layout in Altium Designer, often collaborating with PCB drafters
• Complete critical analysis including worst-case circuit analysis, signal integrity, and power integrity studies; establish analysis methodologies for the team
• Create and execute bring-up plans and design verification protocols for new hardware and complex integrated systems
• Conduct hands-on bring-up and verification testing of modules and systems, coordinating validation efforts across teams
• Release designs to production in collaboration with Manufacturing and Test Engineering
• Provide subject matter expertise supporting hardware development across the organization
• Mentor junior and senior engineers in technical skills and professional development
• Present engineering design reviews to customers and executive leadership

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science degree or higher in Electrical Engineering from an accredited university
• Minimum 9 years of industry or university research experience in board-level electronics design, analysis, and test
• Direct experience designing high-reliability electronics for space or defense applications, including part derating, worst-case analysis, and thermal constraints
• Proven ownership of complex board-level electronics and hardware systems through architecture, trade studies, component selection, and detailed design
• Multiple hardware products successfully delivered through production and deployment
• Expertise in PCB layout and manufacturing, including high-density interconnect (HDI) stackup design, IPC standards, and industry best practices
• Expertise derisking designs using signal integrity and power integrity simulation tools such as Ansys SIwave, ADS SIPro, or Mentor Hyperlynx
• Strong understanding of software and mechanical disciplines that inform hardware system architecture decisions
• Expert-level proficiency in electronics design tools such as Altium
• Extensive lab experience with specialized equipment for hardware bring-up and verification
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for customer and executive presentations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience leading hardware engineering teams developing multi-module assemblies, including architecture, requirements, and interconnect design
• Design experience for space radiation environments

Important: This role is subject to security and export control restrictions. Factors including nationality, dual nationalities, place of birth, and country of residence may limit eligibility for certain positions.

How We Work With You

Get A Job.ai represents this confidential client in the candidate search and selection process. When you apply through our platform, one of our specialized recruiters will review your qualifications and conduct an initial screening. If there's a strong match, we'll submit your profile to our client for consideration and coordinate all interview stages.

Please apply exclusively through Get A Job.ai. Do not attempt to contact the client directly, as this may disqualify your application.

Pay

Compensation details will be discussed during the screening process based on your experience and qualifications.

Equal Opportunity: Get A Job.ai is committed to inclusive recruiting practices. We evaluate all candidates based on qualifications and merit, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.