Hardware Engineer Contract Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

The Hardware Engineer will be responsible for executing schematic capture and PCB design in Altium for fire detection and suppression controllers. This includes working on a new control board for the air replenishment system redesign and a new vehicle fire suppression controller. The engineer will implement, revise, and verify board designs while collaborating on architecture-level decisions and conducting DFMEA.

• Create and revise schematics and PCB layouts using Altium / Altium 365.
• Design mixed-signal microcontroller-based boards, including analog signal conditioning and A/D interfaces.
• Support designs for intrinsically safe environments, including fusing, current limiting, and voltage limiting.
• Conduct EMC troubleshooting and design remediation as needed.
• Perform component selection and support obsolescence-driven redesign work.
• Conduct board bring-up and benchtop verification using oscilloscopes, multimeters, and related lab equipment.
• Collaborate with firmware engineers on hardware/firmware integration and debugging.

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 3–8 years of electronics hardware/PCB design experience.
• Proficiency with Altium Designer; experience with Altium 365 is a plus.
• Solid analog and digital circuit fundamentals, including op-amp circuits and microcontroller designs.
• Hands-on benchtop skills with oscilloscopes, multimeters, and general board bring-up/debug.

• Experience with intrinsically safe design practices or products certified through a notified body.
• Experience with EMC/EMI testing and remediation.
• Experience in fire/life-safety, industrial, or vehicle electronics.
• Familiarity with component obsolescence management.

The position requires onsite work in Rhode Island. The role is a long-term opportunity, lasting 9-12 months with potential for extension. Benefits include standard company benefits, 3 weeks of PTO, and 10 company holidays.

This is a Contract position based out of Westford, MA.

The pay range for this position is $70.00 - $70.00/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)

This is a fully onsite position in Westford,MA.

This position is anticipated to close on Sep 8, 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 withoutregard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability,sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protectedby law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification oradjustment 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 thecity and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicantswith arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector:It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as acondition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this lawshall 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 applicationsand qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, youacknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.