Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR

This role focuses on a high-speed PCB design project centered on respinning an existing board due to component obsolescence. You will update schematics, replace obsolete components, and lead full design validation for a high-speed digital board operating at 9 GHz and above. The position offers a balanced mix of hands-on lab work and design activities, and you will own the full lifecycle from design through validation for advanced electronics used in extremely high-speed test systems. This is a long-term contract opportunity with strong potential for extended engagement and future conversion.

Responsibilities

• Own the complete lifecycle of a high-speed digital board respin, from initial design updates through full validation and characterization.
• Update and refine schematics to address component obsolescence while maintaining or improving high-speed performance.
• Identify, select, and integrate replacement components, ensuring compatibility with existing designs and performance requirements.
• Perform comprehensive design validation (DV) of high-speed boards, including functional, performance, and reliability testing.
• Conduct hands-on lab work approximately 50% of the time, using high-speed test equipment to validate and characterize board performance.
• Execute detailed design activities approximately 50% of the time, including circuit design, power supply design, and high-speed signal integrity considerations.
• Use high-speed oscilloscopes (such as Keysight DCA-X / N1000 series or equivalent) to capture, analyze, and interpret high-speed waveforms.
• Perform BERT/BER testing using appropriate pattern generators and test setups to validate high-speed links.
• Validate and troubleshoot high-speed interfaces and protocols such as SERDES, PCIe, GPBS, NRZ, and OIF-CEI.
• Analyze and optimize critical high-speed parameters including phase noise, clock and data recovery (CDR), and PAM4 signaling.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to assess potential changes to board materials and their impact on high-speed performance.
• Document test plans, validation procedures, and results, and provide clear recommendations based on findings.
• Quickly learn and apply Cadence OrCAD or other CAD tools to support schematic design and updates.
• Ensure designs meet validation and verification requirements, including adherence to high-speed validation protocols.
• Proactively identify design risks related to high-speed performance and propose mitigation strategies.
• Support ongoing improvements to test methods, validation processes, and design practices for high-speed electronics.

• Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) or equivalent technical degree.
• 10–15+ years of experience in high-speed digital board design.
• Proven background in designing and delivering high-speed boards operating at 9 GHz and above.
• Strong fundamentals in all areas of PCB design excluding layout, with particular strength in high-speed digital circuit design.
• Hands-on experience with design verification and validation of high-speed digital boards.
• Proficiency using high-speed oscilloscopes, such as Keysight high-speed scopes (DCA-X / N1000 series or equivalent).
• Experience with BERT/BER testing and pattern generators for high-speed link validation.
• Demonstrated expertise with high-speed technologies such as SERDES, phase noise analysis, clock and data recovery (CDR), and PAM4 signaling.
• Experience validating high-speed interfaces and protocols including PCIe, GPBS, NRZ, and OIF-CEI.
• Strong understanding of validation and verification processes, including validation protocols for high-speed systems.
• Ability to take full ownership of design, verification, and validation activities rather than only contributing as part of a larger team.
• Ability to quickly come up to speed with Cadence OrCAD or similar CAD tools for schematic design.

• Additional power supply design skills are highly beneficial.
• Experience working on advanced electronics used in extremely high-speed testers.
• Familiarity with multiple CAD tools for schematic capture and PCB design, with flexibility to adopt new tools as needed.
• Strong troubleshooting skills for high-speed signal integrity and timing issues.
• Ability to interpret complex test results and translate them into actionable design improvements.
• Comfort working in a hybrid environment, including periods of intensive on-site hardware work.
• Strong communication skills for documenting findings, presenting results, and collaborating with engineering teams.

The role involves a hybrid work arrangement with a strong hardware focus. You will typically work remotely when design and documentation tasks allow, and travel to the Oregon site as needed for lab-based activities. During intensive hardware and validation phases, you may need to be on site up to five days a week. The environment centers on advanced electronics used in extremely high-speed test systems, with frequent use of high-speed oscilloscopes (such as Keysight DCA-X / N1000 series), BERT/BER test equipment, pattern generators, and other precision lab instruments. You will split your time approximately 50% in the lab performing hands-on validation and characterization and 50% on design work using CAD tools such as Cadence OrCAD. The team culture supports long-term engagement, with several engineers having worked on-site for more than a decade, and offers opportunities for contract extension and potential conversion based on performance and mutual interest.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of Tualatin, OR.

The pay range for this position is $60.00 - $80.00/hr.

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)

This is a fully onsite position in Tualatin,OR.

This position is anticipated to close on Jul 17, 2026.

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.

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